Technical Communication

by Lannon, John M.

• ISBN13: 9780321089793
• ISBN10: 0321089790
• Edition: 9th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• 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

Detailed Contents	vii
Preface	xix
Acknowledgments	xxv
Introduction to Technical Communication	1	(11)
PART I Communicating in the Workplace	12	(104)
Preparing an Effective Technical Document	14	(10)
Delivering the Essential Information	24	(15)
Making a Persuasive Case	39	(30)
Weighing the Ethical Issues	69	(27)
Working in Teams	96	(20)
PART II The Research Process	116	(100)
Thinking Critically about the Research Process	118	(12)
Exploring Electronic and Hard Copy Sources	130	(21)
Exploring Primary Sources	151	(15)
Evaluating and Interpreting Information	166	(32)
Summarizing and Abstracting Information	198	(18)
PART III Structural and Style Elements	216	(72)
Organizing for Users	218	(25)
Revising for Readable Style	243	(45)
PART IV Visual, Design, and Usability Elements	288	(106)
Designing Visuals	290	(53)
Designing Pages and Documents	343	(23)
Adding Document Supplements	366	(12)
Designing and Testing the Document for Usability	378	(16)
PART V Specific Documents and Applications	394	(266)
Memo Reports and Electronic Mail	396	(22)
Letters and Employment Correspondence	418	(49)
Web Pages and Other Electronic Documents	467	(22)
Technical Definitions	489	(22)
Technical Descriptions and Specifications	511	(28)
Instructions	539	(31)
Proposals	570	(34)
Analytical Reports	604	(34)
Oral Presentations	638	(22)
PART VI A Brief Handbook with Additional Sample Documents	660	(2)
Appendix A Recording and Documenting Research Findings	662	(36)
Appendix B A Casebook of Sample Documents Illustrating the Writing Process	698	(32)
Appendix C Editing for Grammar Usage, and Mechanics	730	(30)
Works Cited	760	(18)
Index	778