Pocket Guide to Technical Writing

by Pfeiffer, William S.

• ISBN13: 9780131721050
• ISBN10: 0131721054
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

This handy reference is ideal for anyone interested in improving business, technical and scientific writing. It contains samples of every major document type (resumers", business letter, etc.) and showcases well-written documents that serve as "how to" guides so readers can model the organization, structure and tone in their own writing assignments. It emphasizes the writing process, the structure and design of writing, and related topics such as graphics and oral presentations. Alphabetized for easy reference, a writing handbook is also included for quick checks of grammar and spelling. Totally updated, this text provides a text-specific Companion Website with numerous activities includinginteractive editing and revision exercises.Provides models of 17 different types of communications. Offers helpful guidelines regarding other forms of communication skills that influence effective writing such as organization and speech. Discusses the explosion of electronic communication and provides format guidelines and samples of effective e-mail. Examines the role that writing plays in other communication arts such as graphics and oral presentations. Excellent resource for corporate training seminars in writing.

Table of Contents

The Writing Process: Achieving Speed and Quality	1	(22)
Definition of Technical Writing	1	(4)
Purpose: Getting Something Done	2	(1)
Writer: Conveying Your Knowledge to the Reader	2	(1)
Readers: Understanding Their Diverse Needs	3	(2)
Nine Steps to Better Writing	5	(15)
Step 1: Write a Brief Purpose Statement	5	(1)
Step 2: Consider the Obstacles Your Readers Face	6	(1)
Step 3: Determine Technical Levels of Readers	6	(1)
Step 4: Determine Decision-Making Levels of Readers	7	(2)
Step 5: Find Out What Decision-Makers Want	9	(1)
Step 6: Collect and Document Information Carefully	9	(5)
Step 7: Write an Outline	14	(1)
Step 8: Write Your First Draft Quickly	15	(3)
Step 9: Revise in Stages	18	(1)
A Nine-Step Strategy	19	(1)
Writing in Groups	20	(3)
Guideline 1: Get to Know Your Group	20	(1)
Guideline 2: Set Clear Goals and Ground Rules	21	(1)
Guideline 3: Use Brainstorming Techniques	21	(1)
Guideline 4: Agree on a Revision Process	21	(1)
Guideline 5: Use Computers to Communicate	22	(1)
Structure: Achieving Order and Design	23	(16)
Basics of Organization	23	(3)
Structure Rule 1: Write Different Parts for Different Readers	24	(1)
Structure Rule 2: Emphasize Beginnings and Endings	24	(1)
Structure Rule 3: Repeat Key Points	25	(1)
ABC Format	26	(5)
ABC Rule 1: The Abstract Gives the ``Big Picture''	29	(1)
ABC Rule 2: The Body Gives Supporting Details	30	(1)
ABC Rule 3: The Conclusion Provides a Wrap-Up	31	(1)
Page Design	31	(8)
Design Rule 1: Use White Space Liberally	32	(1)
Design Rule 2: Use Headings and Subheadings Often	32	(2)
Design Rule 3: Use Lists Frequently	34	(3)
Design Rule 4: Use Fonts Effectively	37	(2)
ABC Formats and Examples	39	(70)
ABC Format 1: Email	40	(2)
Example 1: Email	41	(1)
ABC Format 2: Memorandum	42	(2)
Example 2: Memorandum	43	(1)
ABC Format 3: Positive Letter	44	(2)
Example 3: Positive Letter	45	(1)
ABC Format 4: Negative Letter	46	(2)
Example 4: Negative Letter	47	(1)
ABC Format 5: Neutral Letter	48	(2)
Example 5: Neutral Letter	49	(1)
ABC Format 6: Sales Letter	50	(2)
Example 6: Sales Letter	51	(1)
ABC Format 7: Job Letter and Resume	52	(12)
Example 7a--7g: Job Letters and Resumes	53	(11)
ABC Format 8: Instructions	64	(4)
Example 8: Instructions	65	(3)
ABC Format 9: Problem Analysis	68	(3)
Example 9: Problem Analysis	69	(2)
ABC Format 10: Recommendation Report	71	(3)
Example 10: Recommendation Report	72	(2)
ABC Format 11: Equipment Evaluation	74	(3)
Example 11: Equipment Evaluation	75	(2)
ABC Format 12: Lab Report	77	(3)
Example 12: Lab Report	78	(2)
ABC Format 13: Trip Report	80	(2)
Example 13: Trip Report	81	(1)
ABC Format 14: Feasibility Study	82	(3)
Example 14: Feasibility Study	83	(2)
ABC Format 15: Proposal	85	(3)
Example 15: Proposal	86	(2)
ABC Format 16: Progress Report	88	(3)
Example 16: Progress Report	89	(2)
ABC Format 17: Formal Report	91	(18)
Example 17: Formal Report	92	(17)
Special Topics: Graphics and Oral Presentation	109	(34)
Graphics	109	(19)
Terms in Graphics	109	(1)
Reasons for Using Graphics	110	(2)
General Guidelines	112	(2)
Guidelines for Pie Charts	114	(3)
Guidelines for Bar Charts	117	(4)
Guidelines for Line Charts	121	(2)
Guidelines for Tables	123	(2)
Guidelines for Technical Drawings	125	(3)
Oral Presentations	128	(15)
Guidelines for Preparation and Delivery	128	(8)
Guidelines for Speech Graphics	136	(2)
Guidelines for Overcoming Nervousness	138	(5)
Appendix: Writing Handbook	143	(86)
Alphabetized Table of Contents	143	(3)
Topical Table of Contents	146	(1)
Style	146	(1)
Grammar	147	(1)
Usage	147	(82)
Index	229	(10)
Planning Form	239