Technical Communication

by Lannon, John M.

• ISBN13: 9780321270764
• ISBN10: 0321270762
• Edition: 10th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Longman

Summary

This is a comprehensive, flexible, and accessible introduction to technical and professional communication. To help readers develop awareness of audiences and accountability, collaborative projects simulate the writing demands that are typical on the job. Full coverage of electronic communication, including email and the Internet, is featured.

Table of Contents

Preface	xix
Acknowledgments	xxiii
Introduction to Technical Communication	1	(13)
Technical Communication Is User Centered	3	(1)
Technical Communication Is Efficient	3	(3)
Technical Communication Comes in All Sizes and Shapes	6	(2)
Technical Communicators Employ a Broad Array of Skills	8	(1)
Technical Communication Is Part of Most Careers	9	(1)
Communication Has Both an Electronic and a Human Side	10	(1)
Communication Reaches a Diverse Audience	11	(3)
Consider This: Twenty-First Century Jobs Require Portable Skills	12	(1)
Exercises	13	(1)
Collaborative Project	13	(1)
Service-Learning Project	13	(1)
PART I Communicating in the Workplace	14	(102)
Preparing an Effective Technical Document	16	(11)
Complete the Key Tasks	17	(5)
Rely on Creative and Critical Thinking	22	(2)
Guidelines for Writing with a Computer	23	(1)
Make Proofreading Your Final Step	24	(3)
Guidelines: for Proofreading	24	(1)
Consider This: Workplace Settings Are Increasingly ``Virtual''	25	(1)
Exercises	25	(1)
Collaborative Project	26	(1)
Service-Learning Project	26	(1)
Delivering the Essential Information	27	(16)
Assess the Audience's Information Needs	29	(1)
Identify Levels of Technicality	30	(4)
The Highly Technical Document	30	(1)
The Semitechnical Document	31	(1)
The Nontechnical Document	32	(1)
Primary and Secondary Audiences	33	(1)
Web-Based Documents for Multiple Audiences	34	(1)
Develop an Audience and Use Profile	34	(9)
Audience Characteristics	35	(2)
Purpose of the Document	37	(1)
Audience's Technical Background	37	(1)
Audience's Cultural Background	37	(1)
Audience's Knowledge of the Subject	38	(1)
Appropriate Details, Format, and Design	39	(1)
Due Date and Timing	39	(1)
Consider This: Communication Failure Can Have Drastic Consequences	40	(1)
Exercises	41	(1)
Collaborative Projects	41	(1)
Service-Learning Project	42	(1)
Making a Persuasive Case	43	(30)
Identify Your Specific Goal	45	(1)
Arguing to Influence People's Opinions	45	(1)
Arguing to Enlist People's Support	45	(1)
Presenting a Proposal	45	(1)
Arguing to Change People's Behavior	46	(1)
Try to Predict Audience Reaction	46	(1)
Expect Audience Resistance	47	(1)
Know How to Connect with the Audience	48	(3)
Allow for Give-and-Take	51	(1)
Ask for a Specific Response	51	(1)
Never Ask for Too Much	51	(1)
Recognize All Communication Constraints	52	(4)
Organizational Constraints	52	(1)
Legal Constraints	53	(1)
Ethical Constraints	54	(1)
Time Constraints	54	(1)
Social and Psychological Constraints	54	(1)
Consider This: People Often React Emotionally to Persuasive Appeals	55	(1)
Support Your Claims	56	(3)
Offer Convincing Evidence	57	(2)
Appeal to Common Goals and Values	59	(1)
Consider the Cultural Context	59	(2)
Shape Your Argument	61	(12)
Guidelines for Making Your Case	66	(2)
Checklist for Cross-Cultural Documents	68	(1)
Exercises	69	(1)
Collaborative Projects	70	(2)
Service-Learning Project	72	(1)
Weighing the Ethical Issues	73	(23)
Recognize Unethical Communication in the Workplace	74	(1)
Know the Major Causes of Unethical Communication	75	(2)
Yielding to Social Pressure	75	(1)
Mistaking Groupthink for Teamwork	76	(1)
Understand the Potential for Communication Abuse	77	(4)
Suppressing Knowledge the Public Needs	77	(1)
Hiding Conflicts of Interest	78	(1)
Exaggerating Claims about Technology	79	(1)
Falsifying or Fabricating Data	79	(1)
Using Visual Images That Conceal the Truth	79	(1)
Stealing or Divulging Proprietary Information	79	(1)
Misusing Electronic Information	80	(1)
Withholding Information People Need for Their Jobs	81	(1)
Exploiting Cultural Differences	81	(1)
Rely on Critical thinking for Ethical Decisions	81	(2)
Reasonable Criteria for Ethical Judgment	82	(1)
Ethical Dilemmas	83	(1)
Anticipate Some Hard Choices	83	(2)
Never Depend Only on Legal Guidelines	85	(2)
Learn to Recognize Plagiarism	87	(2)
Consider This: Ethical Standards Are Good for Business	88	(1)
Decide Where and How to Draw the Line	89	(7)
Checklist for Ethical Communication	90	(2)
Guidelines for Ethical Communication	92	(1)
Exercises	93	(1)
Collaborative Project	94	(1)
Service-Learning Project	94	(2)
Working in Teams	96	(20)
Examples of Successful Collaboration	97	(1)
The Role of Project Management in Successful Collaboration	97	(2)
Guidelines for Managing a Collaborative Project	98	(1)
Sources of Conflict in Collaborative Groups	99	(6)
Interpersonal Differences	100	(1)
Gender and Cultural Differences	101	(4)
Managing Group Conflict	105	(1)
Overcoming Differences by Active Listening	106	(1)
Guidelines for Active Listening	107
Thinking Creatively	106	(3)
Brainstorming	107	(1)
Brainwriting	108	(1)
Mind-Mapping	109	(1)
Storyboarding	109	(1)
Reviewing and Editing Others' Work	109	(2)
Guidelines for Peer Reviewing and Editing	110	(1)
Face-to-Face versus Electronically Mediated Collaboration	111	(1)
Ethical Abuses in Workplace Collaboration	112	(4)
Intimidating One's Peers	112	(1)
Claiming Credit for Other's Work	112	(1)
Hoarding Information	113	(1)
Consider This: How You Speak Shows Where You Rank	113	(1)
Exercises	114	(1)
Collaborative Projects	114	(1)
Service-Learning Project	115	(1)
PART II The Research Process	116	(100)
Thinking Critically about the Research Process	118	(10)
Asking the Right Questions	120	(1)
Exploring a Balance of Views	121	(1)
Achieving Adequate Depth in Your Search	122	(2)
Evaluating Your Findings	124	(1)
Interpreting Your Findings	124	(4)
Consider This: Expert Opinion Is Not Always Reliable	125	(1)
Guidelines for Evaluating Expert Information	126	(1)
Exercises	126	(2)
Exploring Electronic and Hard Copy Sources	128	(21)
Hard Copy versus Electronic Sources	129	(2)
Consider This: Information Can be ``Pushed'' or ``Pulled''	130	(1)
Internet Sources	131	(4)
Usenet	131	(1)
Listservs	131	(1)
Library Chatrooms	131	(1)
Electronic Magazines (E-zines)	131	(1)
Email Inquiries	131	(1)
World Wide Web	131	(3)
Intranets and Extranets	134	(1)
Keyword Searches Using Boolean Operators	135	(2)
Guidelines for Researching on the Internet	136	(1)
Other Electronic Sources	137	(2)
Compact Discs	137	(1)
Online Retrieval Services	137	(1)
Consider This: Information in Electronic Form Is Copyright Protected	138	(1)
Hard Copy Sources	139	(10)
Reference Works	140	(1)
Card Catalog	141	(1)
Guides to Literature	141	(1)
Indexes	141	(1)
Abstracts	142	(1)
Access Tools for U.S. Government Publications	143	(1)
Microforms	144	(1)
Consider This: Frequently Asked Questions about Copyright of Hard Copy Information	144	(2)
Exercises	146	(1)
Collaborative Projects	147	(1)
Service-Learning Project	148	(1)
Exploring Primary Sources	149	(15)
Informative Interviews	150	(4)
Selecting the Best Interview Medium	150	(1)
Guidelines for Informative Interviews	151	(3)
A Sample Interview	154	(1)
Surveys and Questionnaires	154	(5)
Defining the Survey's Purpose and Target Population	156	(1)
Identifying the Sample Group	156	(1)
Defining the Survey Method	156	(1)
Guidelines for Developing a Questionnaire	157	(2)
A Sample Questionnaire	159	(1)
Inquiry Letters, Phone Calls, and Email Inquiries	159	(1)
Public Records and Organizational Publications	159	(3)
Personal Observation and Experiment	162	(1)
Analysis of Samples	162	(2)
Exercises	163	(1)
Collaborative Project	163	(1)
Service-Learning Project	163	(1)
Evaluating and Interpreting Information	164	(33)
Evaluate the Sources	165	(4)
Is the Source Up-to-Date?	165	(1)
Is the Printed Source Dependable?	166	(1)
Is the Electronic Source Trustworthy?	166	(1)
Is the Information Relatively Unbiased?	166	(3)
How Does This Source Measure Up to Others?	169	(1)
Guidelines for Evaluating Sources on the Web	170
Evaluate the Evidence	169	(5)
Is the Evidence Sufficient?	169	(3)
Is the Presentation of Evidence Balanced and Reasonable?	172	(1)
Can the Evidence Be Verified?	173	(1)
Interpret Your Findings	174	(3)
What Level of Certainty Is Warranted?	174	(2)
Are the Underlying Assumptions Sound?	176	(1)
To What Extent Has Personal Bias Influenced the Interpretation?	176	(1)
Are Other Interpretations Possible?	177	(1)
Consider This: Standards of Proof Vary for Different Audiences and Cultural Settings	178
Avoid Errors in Reasoning	177	(4)
Faulty Generalization	178	(1)
Faulty Causal Reasoning	179	(2)
Avoid Statistical Fallacies	181	(6)
Consider This: Correlation Does Not Equal Causation	182	(1)
Common Statistical Fallacies	183	(2)
The Limitations of Number Crunching	185	(2)
Misleading Terminology	187	(1)
Interpret the Reality Behind the Numbers	187	(1)
Acknowledge the Limits of Research	188	(9)
Obstacles to Validity and Reliability	188	(1)
Flaws in Study Design	189	(1)
Sources of Measurement Error	190	(1)
Sources of Deception	191	(1)
Guidelines for Evaluating and Interpreting Information	192	(2)
Checklist for the Research Process	194	(1)
Exercises	194	(2)
Collaborative Projects	196	(1)
Service-Learning Project	196	(1)
Summarizing and Abstracting Information	197	(19)
Purpose of Summaries	198	(2)
Guidelines for Summarizing Information	199	(1)
What Users Expect from a Summary	200	(1)
A Situation Requiring a Summary	200	(6)
Forms of Summarized Information	206	(4)
The Closing Summary	207	(1)
The Informative Abstract	207	(1)
The Descriptive Abstract	208	(1)
The Executive Abstract	208	(2)
Ethical Considerations in Summarizing Information	210	(6)
Checklist for Usability of Summaries	211	(1)
Exercises	212	(1)
Collaborative Projects	212	(1)
Service-Learning Project	213	(3)
PART III Structural and Style Elements	216	(70)
Organizing for Users	218	(25)
Partitioning and Classifying	219	(3)
Outlining	222	(5)
A Document's Basic Shape	222	(1)
The Formal Outline	223	(2)
Outlining and Reorganizing on a Computer	225	(2)
Organizing for Cross-Cultural Audiences	227	(1)
The Report Design Worksheet	227	(1)
Storyboarding	227	(3)
Paragraphing	230	(5)
The Support Paragraph	230	(2)
The Topic Sentence	232	(1)
Paragraph Unity	233	(1)
Paragraph Coherence	233	(2)
Paragraph Length	235	(1)
Sequencing	235	(4)
Spatial Sequence	235	(1)
Chronological Sequence	236	(1)
Effect-to-Cause Sequence	236	(1)
Cause-to-Effect Sequence	237	(1)
Emphatic Sequence	237	(1)
Problem-Causes-Solution Sequence	237	(1)
Comparison-Contrast Sequence	238	(1)
Chunking	239	(2)
Creating an Overview	241	(2)
Exercises	241	(1)
Collaborative Projects	241	(2)
Editing for Readable Style	243	(43)
Editing for Clarity	245	(8)
Avoid Ambiguous Phrasing	245	(1)
Avoid Ambiguous Pronoun References	245	(1)
Avoid Ambiguous Punctuation	246	(1)
Avoid Telegraphic Writing	246	(1)
Avoid Ambiguous Modifiers	246	(2)
Unstack Modifying Nouns	248	(1)
Arrange Word Order for Coherence and Emphasis	248	(2)
Use Active Voice Often	250	(2)
Use Passive Voice Selectively	252	(1)
Avoid Overstuffed Sentences	253	(1)
Editing for Conciseness	253	(7)
Avoid Wordy Phrases	254	(1)
Eliminate Redundancy	254	(1)
Avoid Needless Repetition	254	(1)
Avoid There Sentence Openers	255	(1)
Avoid Some It Sentence Openers	255	(1)
Delete Needless Prefaces	256	(1)
Avoid Weak Verbs	256	(1)
Delete Needless To Be Constructions	257	(1)
Avoid Excessive Prepositions	257	(1)
Fight Noun Addiction	258	(1)
Make Negatives Positive	259	(1)
Clean Out Clutter Words	259	(1)
Delete Needless Qualifiers	260	(1)
Editing for Fluency	260	(4)
Combine Related Ideas	261	(1)
Vary Sentence Construction and Length	262	(1)
Use Short Sentences for Special Emphasis	263	(1)
Finding the Exact Words	264	(10)
Use Simple and Familiar Wording	264	(2)
Avoid Useless Jargon	266	(1)
Use Acronyms Selectively	267	(1)
Avoid Triteness	268	(1)
Avoid Misleading Euphemisms	268	(1)
Avoid Overstatement	269	(1)
Avoid Imprecise Wording	269	(2)
Be Specific and Concrete	271	(2)
Use Analogies to Sharpen the Image	273	(1)
Adjusting Your Tone	274	(8)
Guidelines for Deciding about Tone	276	(1)
Use an Occasional Contraction	276	(1)
Address Readers Directly	276	(1)
Use I and We When Appropriate	277	(1)
Prefer the Active Voice	277	(1)
Emphasize the Positive	278	(1)
Avoid an Overly Informal Tone	278	(1)
Avoid Personal Bias	278	(2)
Avoid Sexist Usage	280	(1)
Avoid Offensive Usage of All Types	280	(1)
Guidelines for Nonsexist Usage	281	(1)
Guidelines for Inoffensive Usage	282	(1)
Considering the Cultural Context	282	(1)
Legal and Ethical Implications of Word Choice	283	(1)
Using Automated Editing Tools Effectively	284	(2)
PART IV Visual, Design, and Usability Elements	286	(96)
Designing Visual Information	288	(51)
Why Visuals Are Important	289	(2)
How Visuals Work	291	(1)
When to Use a Visual	292	(1)
What Types of Visuals to Consider	293	(2)
How to Select Visuals for Your Purpose and Audience	295	(2)
Tables	297	(3)
Graphs	300	(10)
Bar Graphs	300	(6)
Line Graphs	306	(3)
Graphs with Three Variables	309	(1)
Charts	310	(5)
Pie Charts	310	(2)
Organization Charts	312	(1)
Flowcharts	312	(1)
Tree Charts	312	(1)
Gantt and Pert Charts	312	(1)
Pictograms	313	(2)
Graphic Illustrations	315	(8)
Diagrams	316	(3)
Maps	319	(1)
Photographs	320	(3)
Computer Graphics	323	(6)
Selecting Design Options	323	(1)
Using Clip Art	323	(1)
Using Color	324	(5)
Using Web Sites for Graphics Support	329	(1)
How to Avoid Visual Distortion	330	(9)
Present the Real Picture	330	(1)
Present the Complete Picture	330	(1)
Don't Mistake Distortion for Emphasis	331	(1)
Checklist for Usability of Visuals	332	(2)
Guidelines for Fitting Visuals with Printed Text	334	(1)
Exercises	335	(2)
Collaborative Projects	337	(2)
Designing Pages and Documents	339	(26)
Page Design in Workplace Documents	340	(1)
How Page Design Transforms a Document	340	(1)
Design Skills Needed in Today's Workplace	341	(3)
Desktop Publishing	343	(1)
Electronic Publishing	343	(1)
Using Style Sheets and Company Style Guides	344	(1)
Creating a Usable Design	344	(21)
Shaping the Page	344	(8)
Styling the Words and Letters	352	(2)
Highlighting for Emphasis	354	(2)
Using Headings for Access and Orientation	356	(4)
Audience Considerations in Page Design	360	(1)
Designing On-Screen Documents	360	(1)
Web Pages	360	(1)
Online Help	361	(1)
CD-ROMs	361	(2)
Checklist for Usability of Page Design	363	(1)
Exercises	363	(1)
Collaborative Project	364	(1)
Designing and Testing the Document for Usability	365	(17)
Why a Usable Design Is Essential	366	(1)
How to Achieve a Usable Design	366	(5)
Outline the Main Tasks Involved	367	(1)
Analyze the Audience and the Setting	368	(1)
Do the Research	368	(1)
Develop a Design Plan	368	(3)
How to Test Your Document for Usability	371	(2)
Qualitative Testing	371	(2)
Quantitative Testing	373	(1)
When to Use Which Test	373	(1)
Usability Issues in Online or Multimedia Documents	373	(1)
Usability Testing in the Classroom	374	(8)
Guidelines for Testing a Document's Usability	376	(3)
Checklist for Usability	379	(1)
Exercises	379	(1)
Collaborative Project	380	(2)
PART V Specific Documents and Applications	382	(296)
Memo Reports and Electronic Mail	384	(25)
Informational versus Analytical Reports	385	(1)
Formal versus Informal Reports	385	(1)
Purpose of Memo Reports	385	(1)
Elements of a Usable Memo	386	(1)
Interpersonal Considerations in Writing a Memo	386	(2)
Direct versus Indirect Organizing Patterns	388	(1)
Informational Reports in Memo Form	388	(6)
Progress Reports	388	(4)
Periodic Activity Reports	392	(1)
Meeting Minutes	393	(1)
Analytical Reports in Memo Form	394	(6)
Feasibility Reports	395	(2)
Recommendation Reports	397	(2)
Justification Reports	399	(1)
Electronic Mail	400	(5)
Email benefits	400	(2)
Email Copyright Issues	402	(1)
Email Privacy Issues	402	(1)
Guidelines for Using Electronic Mail	403	(2)
Instant Messaging	405	(4)
Guidelines for Choosing Email versus Paper or the Telephone	405	(1)
Checklist for Usability of Memo Reports	406	(1)
Exercises	406	(2)
Collaborative Projects	408	(1)
Letters and Employment Correspondence	409	(50)
Elements of Usable Letters	410	(8)
Basic Parts of Letters	410	(6)
Specialized Parts of Letters	416	(1)
Design Factors	417	(1)
Interpersonal Considerations in Workplace Letters	418	(3)
Inquiry Letters	421	(2)
Sample Situation	421	(2)
Telephone and Email Inquiries	423	(1)
Claim Letters	423	(2)
Routine Claims	423	(1)
Arguable Claims	424	(1)
Resumes and Job Applications	425	(1)
Employment Outlook in the Twenty-First Century	425	(1)
Prospecting for Jobs	426	(15)
Preparing Your Resume	428	(4)
Organizing Your Resume	432	(2)
A Sample Situation	434	(1)
Preparing Your Job Application Letter	434	(6)
Consider This: How Applicants Are Screened for Personal Qualities	440	(1)
Electronic Job Hunting	441	(7)
Online Employment Resources	441	(2)
Electronic Scanning of Resumes	443	(1)
How to Prepare Content for a Scannable Resume	443	(1)
How to Design a Scannable Resume	444	(1)
Electronic Resumes	444	(1)
Protecting Privacy and Security When You Post a Resume Online	445	(3)
Support for the Application	448	(11)
Your Dossier	448	(1)
Your Professional Portfolio	448	(1)
Employment Interviews	449	(2)
Guidelines for Surviving a Job Interview	451	(2)
The Follow-Up Letter	453	(1)
Letters of Acceptance or Refusal	453	(1)
Consider This: How to Evaluate a Job Offer	454	(3)
Checklist for Usability of Letters	457	(1)
Exercises	457	(1)
Collaborative Projects	458	(1)
Web Pages and Other Electronic Documents	459	(21)
Online Documentation	460	(1)
Hypertext	461	(1)
Markup	462	(2)
Beyond HTML	464	(1)
Text versus Images: Current Preferences	464	(2)
The Web	466	(1)
Consider This: How Web Sites Enhance Workplace Transactions	467
Elements of a Usable Web Site	466	(9)
Accessibility	466	(2)
Worthwhile Content	468	(1)
Sensible Arrangement	468	(1)
Good Writing and Page Design	468	(1)
Good Graphics and Special Effects	468	(4)
Consider This: Web Site Needs and Expectations Differ Across Cultures	472	(1)
Guidelines for Creating a Web Site	473	(2)
Privacy Issues in Online Communication	475	(5)
Checklist for Usability of Web Sites	478	(1)
Individual or Collaborative Projects	479	(1)
Service-Learning Project	479	(1)
Technical Definitions	480	(22)
Purpose of Technical Definitions	481	(1)
Levels of Detail in a Definition	482	(2)
Parenthetical Definition	482	(1)
Sentence Definition	482	(1)
Expanded Definition	483	(1)
Expansion Methods	484	(6)
Etymology	485	(1)
History and Background	485	(1)
Negation	486	(1)
Operating Principle	486	(1)
Analysis of Parts	487	(1)
Visuals	488	(1)
Comparison and Contrast	488	(1)
Required Materials or Conditions	489	(1)
Example	489	(1)
Situations Requiring Definitions	490	(3)
Placement of Definitions	493	(9)
Guidelines for Defining Clearly and Precisely	496	(1)
Checklist for Usability of Definitions	497	(1)
Exercises	497	(1)
Collaborative Projects	498	(1)
Service-Learning Project	498	(4)
Technical Descriptions and Specifications	502	(30)
Purposes and Types of Technical Description	503	(1)
Elements of a Usable Description	503	(7)
Clear and Limiting Title	503	(1)
Appropriate Level of Detail and Technicality	503	(3)
Objectivity	506	(1)
Visuals	507	(1)
Clearest Descriptive Sequence	507	(3)
An Outline and Model for Product Description	510	(3)
Introduction: General Description	510	(1)
Description and Function of Parts	511	(1)
Summary and Operating Description	512	(1)
A Situation Requiring Product Description	513	(3)
An Outline for Process Description	516	(1)
A Situation Requiring Process Description	517	(3)
Specifications	520	(4)
Technical Marketing Literature	524	(8)
Checklist for Usability of Technical Descriptions	527	(1)
Exercises	527	(1)
Collaborative Projects	528	(4)
Instructions and Procedures	532	(35)
Purpose of Instructional Documents	533	(1)
Formats for Instructional Documents	533	(2)
Faulty Instructions and Legal Liability	535	(3)
Elements of Usable Instruction	538	(14)
Clear and Limiting Title	538	(1)
Informed Content	539	(1)
Visuals	539	(1)
Appropriate Level of Detail and Technicality	539	(7)
Logically Ordered Steps	546	(1)
Notes and Hazard Notices	546	(1)
Readability	547	(2)
Effective Design	549	(3)
An Outline and Model for Instructions	552	(2)
Introduction	552	(1)
Body: Required Steps	553	(1)
Conclusion	554	(1)
A Situation Requiring Instructions	554	(6)
Procedures	560	(7)
Checklist for Usability of Instructions	561	(2)
Exercises	563	(2)
Collaborative Projects	565	(1)
Service-Learning Project	565	(2)
Proposals	567	(38)
How Proposals and Reports Differ in Purpose	568	(1)
The Proposal Audience	568	(1)
The Proposal Process	569	(3)
Proposal Types	572	(6)
Planning Proposal	573	(2)
Research Proposal	575	(2)
Sales Proposal	577	(1)
Elements of a Persuasive Proposal	578	(6)
A Forecasting Title	579	(1)
Clear Understanding of the Audience's Needs	579	(1)
A Clear Focus on Benefits	579	(1)
Honest and Supportable Claims	580	(1)
Appropriate Detail	581	(1)
Readability	581	(1)
Convincing Language	582	(1)
Visuals	582	(1)
Accessible Page Design	583	(1)
Supplements Tailored for a Diverse Audience	583	(1)
Proper Citation of Sources and Contributors	583	(1)
An Outline and Model for Proposals	584	(5)
Introduction	584	(2)
Body	586	(3)
Conclusion	589	(1)
A Situation Requiring a Proposal	589	(16)
Checklist for Usability of Proposals	601	(1)
Exercises	602	(1)
Service-Learning Project	602	(3)
Formal Analytical Reports	605	(37)
Purpose of Analysis	606	(1)
Typical Analytical Problems	607	(2)
Causal Analysis: ``Why Does X Happen?''	607	(1)
Comparative Analysis: ``Is X or Y Better for Our Purpose?''	607	(1)
Feasibility Analysis: ``Is This a Good Idea?''	608	(1)
Combining Types of Analysis	609	(1)
Elements of a Usable Analysis	609	(7)
Clearly Identified Problems or Goal	609	(1)
Adequate but Not Excessive Data	609	(1)
Accurate and Balanced Data	610	(2)
Fully Interpreted Data	612	(1)
Subordination of Personal Bias	612	(1)
Appropriate Visuals	612	(1)
Valid Conclusions and Recommendations	612	(4)
Self-Assessment	616	(1)
An Outline and Model for Analytical Reports	616	(12)
Introduction	617	(1)
Body	618	(9)
Conclusion	627	(1)
Supplements	628	(1)
A Situation Requiring an Analytical Report	628	(14)
Checklist for Usability of Analytical Reports	630	(1)
Guidelines for Reasoning through an Analytical Problem	630	(10)
Exercise	640	(1)
Collaborative Projects	641	(1)
Front Matter and End Matter in Long Documents	642	(11)
Cover	643	(1)
Title Page	643	(1)
Letter of Transmittal	643	(3)
Table of Contents	646	(2)
List of Tables and Figures	648	(1)
Abstract or Executive Summary	648	(1)
Glossary	649	(1)
Appendices	650	(1)
Documentation	651	(2)
Exercises	652	(1)
Oral Presentations	653	(25)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Reports	654	(1)
Avoiding Presentation Pitfalls	654	(1)
Planning Your Presentation	655	(3)
Analyze Your Listeners	655	(1)
Work from an Explicit Purpose Statement	655	(1)
Analyze Your Speaking Situation	656	(1)
Select an Appropriate Delivery Method	656	(2)
Preparing Your Presentation	658	(12)
Research Your Topic	658	(1)
Aim for Simplicity and Conciseness	658	(1)
Anticipate Audience Questions	659	(1)
Outline Your Presentation	659	(1)
Plan Your Visuals	660	(2)
Prepare Your Visuals	662	(1)
Guidelines for Readable Visuals	663	(1)
Guidelines for Understandable Visuals	663	(1)
Consider the Available Technology	663	(3)
Use PowerPoint or other Software Wisely	666	(3)
Guidelines for Using Presentation Software	669	(1)
Rehearse Your Delivery	669	(1)
Delivering Your Presentation	670	(8)
Cultivate the Human Landscape	670	(1)
Keep Your Listeners Oriented	670	(1)
Manage Your Visuals	671	(1)
Guidelines for Presenting Visuals	672	(1)
Manage Your Presentation Style	672	(1)
Manage Your Speaking Situation	673	(1)
Guidelines for Managing Listener Questions	674	(1)
Consider This: Cross-Cultural Audiences May Have Specific Expectations	674	(1)
Exercises	675	(3)
PART VI A Brief Handbook with Additional Sample Documents	678	(2)
APPENDIX A Recording and Documenting Research Findings	680	(38)
Taking Notes	681	(1)
Guidelines for Recording Research Findings	681	(1)
Quoting the Work of Others	682	(2)
Guidelines for Quoting the Work of Others	682	(2)
Paraphrasing the Work of Others	684	(1)
Guidelines for Paraphrasing	684	(1)
What You Should Document	685	(1)
How You Should Document	685	(1)
MLA Documentation Style	686	(16)
MLA Parenthetical References	686	(1)
MLA Works Cited Entries	687	(11)
MLA Sample Works Cited page	698	(4)
APA Documentation Style	702	(12)
APA Parenthetical References	702	(1)
APA Reference List Entries	703	(9)
APA Sample Reference List	712	(2)
CBE and Other Numerical Documentation Styles	714	(4)
CBE Numbered Citations	714	(1)
CBE Reference List Entries	715	(3)
APPENDIX B A Casebook of Sample Documents Illustrating the Writing Process	718	(33)
Critical Thinking in the Writing Process	719	(1)
Case 1---An Everyday Writing Situation: The Evolution of a Short Report	720	(9)
Working with the Information	721	(1)
Planning the Document	722	(1)
Drafting the Document	723	(2)
Revising the Document	725	(4)
Case 2---Preparing a Personal Statement in an Internship or Fellowship Application	729	(4)
Case 3---Documents for the Course Project: A Sequence Culminating in the Final Report	733	(18)
The Project Documents	734	(1)
The Proposal Stage	734	(1)
The Progress Report Stage	734	(3)
The Final Report Stage	737	(14)
APPENDIX C Editing for Grammar, Usage and Mechanics	751	(28)
Common Sentence Errors	752	(10)
Sentence Fragment	752	(1)
Acceptable Fragments	753	(1)
Comma Splice	754	(1)
Run-On Sentence	754	(1)
Faulty Agreement---Subject and Verb	755	(1)
Faulty Agreement---Pronoun and Referent	756	(1)
Faulty Coordination	756	(1)
Faulty Subordination	757	(1)
Faulty Pronoun Case	758	(1)
Faulty Modification	759	(2)
Faulty Parallelism	761	(1)
Sentence Shifts	761	(1)
Effective Punctuation	762	(10)
End Punctuation	762	(1)
Semicolon	763	(1)
Colon	764	(1)
Comma	764	(4)
Apostrophe	768	(2)
Quotation Marks	770	(1)
Ellipses	771	(1)
Italics	771	(1)
Parentheses	771	(1)
Brackets	771	(1)
Dashes	772	(1)
Transitions	772	(1)
Effective Mechanics	773	(6)
Abbreviations	774	(2)
Hyphen	776	(1)
Capitalization	776	(1)
Use of Numbers	777	(1)
Spelling	778	(1)
Works Cited	779	(16)
Index	795