Technical Communication (with Resources for Technical Communication)

by Lannon, John M.

• ISBN13: 9780321467683
• ISBN10: 032146768X
• Edition: 10th
• Format: Package
• Copyright: 2006-01-01
• Publisher: Longman

Summary

The bestselling text of its kind, Lannon'sTechnical Communication, Tenth Edition, is the premier resource for introductory technical communication, combining a pragmatic and accessible approach to the subject with attention to the latest developments in the field. Addressing a wide range of interests for students from a variety of majors, the new edition ofTechnical Communicationhas an expanded emphasis on the realities of the workplace reflected in a new feature, On the Job, as well as expanded content throughout focusing on what goes on in the workplace day-to-day. As always,Technical Communicationcombines practical applications with clear writing and examples. Rhetorical principles are explained, illustrated, and applied to an array of documents, from brief memos and summaries to formal reports and proposals. Emphasis on current topics like technology, working in teams, and useability underlines the realities of technical communication today. Exercises incorporated throughout the text enable students to better understand the skills necessary both in college and in the workplace. Long the standard in the industry, this text continues to lead in its treatment of the issues that confront students in today's technical communication classesfrom managing collaborative groups to designing pages for the World Wide Web.

Table of Contents

* = new to this edition. Preface. Acknowledgments. 1. Introduction to Technical Communication. Technical Communication Serves Practical Needs. Technical Communication is User-Centered. Technical Communication Is Efficient. * Sample Document: A Citizen's Guide to Bioremediation. * Technical Communication Comes in All Shapes and Sizes. * Technical Communicators Employ a Broad Array of Skills. Technical Communication is Part of Most Careers. Communication Has Both an Electronic and a Human Side. Communication Reaches a Global Audience. Consider This: Twenty-First Century Jobs Require Portable Skills. Exercises. Collaborative Project. Service-Learning Project. I. COMMUNICATING IN THE WORKPLACE. * Technical Communication in the News : "Report Pinpoints Cause of Columbia Shuttle Disaster". 2. Preparing an Effective Technical Document. Complete the Key Tasks. Rely on Creative and Critical Thinking. Guidelines for Writing with a Computer. * Make Proofreading Your Final Step. * Guidelines for Proofreading. Consider This: Workplace Settings Are Increasingly Virtual. Exercises. Collaborative Project. Service-Learning Project. 3. Delivering the Essential Information. Assess the Audience's Information Needs. Identify Levels of Technicality. The Highly Technical Document. The Semitechnical Document. The Nontechnical Document. Primary and Secondary Audiences. Web-Based Documents for Multiple Audiences. * A Web Page Linked to Various User Needs : Zantacâ„¢ Syrup. Develop an Audience and Use Profile. Audience Characteristics. Purpose of the Document. Audience's Technical Background. Audience's Cultural Background. Audience's Knowledge of the Subject. Appropriate Details, Format, and Design. Due Date and Timing. Consider This: Communication Failure Can Have Drastic Consequences.