Practical Models for Technical Communication

Length: 398 pages
Edition: 1
Language: English
Publisher: Chemeketa Press
Publication Date: 2021-09-01
ISBN-10: 1943536953
ISBN-13: 9781943536955
Sales Rank: #2855258 (See Top 100 Books)

Practical Models for Technical Communication is a college-level textbook for technical writers and communicators. Written in plain and accessible language, this textbook is designed to provide students with solid tools, useful models, interesting scenarios, and a vocabulary of technical terms that will allow them to communicate effectively as part of a fast-paced, global workforce. Its approachable, real-world examples and detailed visuals guide students in creating multimodal, technical documents that reach a broad audience.

This book explores the fundamentals of technical communication, expanding on the following topics:

Writing and organizing an array of technical documents such as definitions, descriptions, instructions, procedures, proposals, and reports
Embracing ethical communication visually and in writing
Designing documents for readability, emphasis, and organization
Increasing rhetorical awareness of multimodality in all types of communication
Researching and documenting source material effectively
Crafting successful job materials for entering the workforce
Communicating professionally within various work environments
Navigating the changing needs of audiences that technical writers meet along the way

Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Technical Communication Fundamentals
    Why Technical Communication Matters
    The Problem-Solution Framework
    Purposeful Communication
    Characteristics of Technical Communication
    Creating User-Friendly Content
    Conclusion
Chapter 2: Technical Communication Ethics
    Why Ethics Matter
    Ethics Defined
    Ethics at Work
    Distorted or Misleading Information
    Visual Misrepresentation
    Using Information Ethically
    Conclusion
Chapter 3: Layout and Design
    Why Layout and Design Matters
    Principles of Document Design
    Design for Readability
    Design for Emphasis
    Design for Organization
    Types of Visuals
    Conclusion
Chapter 4: Multimodal and Multimedia Communication
    Why Multimodal and Multimedia Communication Matter
    Multimodal Communication at Work
    Rhetorical Awareness and Digital Literacy
    Output Options
    Conclusion
Chapter 5: Research Methods for Technical Communication
    Why Research Matters
    Steps for Research
    Primary and Secondary Research
    Using Sources Effectively
    Citing Sources
    Intellectual Property
    Advanced Research
    Conclusion
Chapter 6: Job Materials
    Why Job Materials Matter
    Organize Your Materials
    Steps for Creating Job Materials
    Build a Cover Letter
    Characteristics of Effective Job Materials
    Job Materials Best Practices
    Ethical Considerations
    Be Competitive
    Conclusion
Chapter 7: Workplace Communication
    Why Workplace Communication Matters
    Types of Workplace Communication
    Communicating Professionally
    Collaboration
    Global Workplace Etiquette
    Conclusion
Chapter 8: Technical Definitions and Descriptions
    Why Definitions and Descriptions Matter
    Creating Definitions and Descriptions
    Parenthetical Definitions
    Sentence Definitions
    Extended Definitions
    Descriptions
    The Known-New Contract
    Legal and Ethical Implications
    Conclusion
Chapter 9: Instructions and Procedures
    Why Instructions and Procedures Matter
    Instructions
    Procedures
    Legal and Ethical Concerns
    Usability Testing
    Conclusion
Chapter 10: Proposals and Short Reports
    Why Proposals and Short Reports Matter
    Proposals Defined
    Types of Proposals
    Typical Elements of a Proposal
    Short Reports Defined
    Steps for Writing Proposals and Short Reports
    Principles for Proposals and Short Reports
    Conclusion
Chapter 11: Formal Reports
    Why Formal Reports Matter
    Types of Formal Reports
    The Formal Report Process
    Writing the Formal Report
    Conclusion
Chapter 12: Make Technical Communication Work for You
    Bridging the Gap
    Types of Communicators
    Meet the Professionals
    Tips for Success
    Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Appendix A: MLA Report
Glossary Index