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EDITION:9th Edition
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ISBN:0312692161
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ISBN-13:9780312692162
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PUB. DATE:June 2010
- PUBLISHER:Bedford/St. Martin's
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Overview -
Technical Communication with 2009 MLA and 2010 APA Updates
Product Details
- Pub. Date: June 2010
- Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's
- Sales Rank: 54,164
- ISBN-13: 9780312692162
- ISBN: 0312692161
- Edition Description: Ninth Edition
Synopsis
Click here to find out more about the 2009 MLA Updates and the 2010 APA Updates.
Comprehensive and truly accessible, Technical Communication guides students through planning, drafting, and designing the documents that will matter in their professional lives. Known for his student-friendly voice and eye for technology trends, Mike Markel addresses the realities of the digital workplace through fresh samples and cases, practical writing advice, and a companion Web site — TechComm Web — that continues to set the standard with content developed and maintained by the author. The text is also available in a convenient, affordable e-book format.
Biography
MIKE MARKEL is director of technical communication at Boise State University, where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. The former editor of IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, he is the author of numerous articles and six books about technical communication, including Ethics and Technical Communication: A Critique and Synthesis.
Editorial Reviews -
Technical Communication with 2009 MLA and 2010 APA Updates
Features -
Technical Communication with 2009 MLA and 2010 APA Updates
Table of Contents
Preface for Instructors
Preface for Writers
Part One: Understanding the Technical Communication Environment
1. Introduction to Technical Communication
What is Technical Communication?
Who Produces Technical Documents?
Technical Communication and Your Career
Characteristics of Technical Documents
Addresses Particular Readers
Helps Readers Solve Problems
Reflects an Organization's Goals and Culture
Is Produced Collaboratively
Uses Design to Increase Readability
Consistes of Words or Graphics or Both
Interactive Sample Document: Studying How Technical Communication Combines Words and Graphics
A Look at Three Sample Documents
Measures of Excellence in Technical Communication
Honesty
Clarity
Accuracy
Comprehensiveness
Accessibility
Conciseness
Professional Appearance
Correctness
Exercises
• CASE 1: Judging Entries in a Technical Communication Competition
2. Understanding Ethical and Legal Considerations
A Brief Introduction to Ethics
Your Ethical Obligations
Obligations to Your Employer
Obligations to the Public
Obligations to the Environment
Your Legal Obligations
Copyright Law
Guidelines: Determining Fair use
Guidelines: Dealing with Copyright Questions
Ethics Note: Distinguishing Plagiarism from Acceptable Re-Use of Information
Trademark Law
Guidelines: Protecting Trademarks
Contract Law
Liability Law
Guidelines: Abiding by Liability Laws
The Role of Corporate Culture in Ethical and Legal Conduct
Interactive Sample Document: Dealing with Copyright Questions
Communicating Ethically Across Cultures
Communicating with Cultures with Different Ethical Beliefs
Communicating with Cultures with Different Laws
Principles for Ethical Communication
Abide by Relevant Laws
Abide by the Appropriate Professional Code of Conduct
Take Advantage of Your Employer's Ethics Resources
Tell the Truth
Don't Mislead Your Readers
Use Design to Highlight Important Ethical and Legal Information
Be Clear
Avoid Discriminatory Language
Acknowledge Assistance from Others
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 2: Playing the Name Game
3. Writing Technical Documents
Planning
Analyzing Your Audience
Analyzing Your Purpose
Generating Ideas About Your Subject
Researching Additional Information
Organizing and Outlining Your Document
Tech Tip: How to Use Outliine View
Selecting an Application, a Design, and a Delivery Method
Devising a Schedule and a Budget
Drafting
Guidelines: Drafting Effectively
Using Templates
Tech Tip: How to Modify Templates
Interactive Sample Document: Analyzing a Code of Conduct
Using Styles
Tech Tip: How to Use the Styles Group
Revising
Studying the Draft by Yourself
Seeking Help from Others
Ethics Note: Acknowledge Reviewers Responsibly
Editing
Proofreading
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 3: Using Revision Software Effectively
4. Writing Collaboratively
Advantages and Disadvantages of Collaboration
Advantages of Collaboration
Disadvantages of Collaboration
Managing Projects
Guidelines: Managing Your Project
Conducting Meetings
Listening Effectively
Guidelines: Listening Effectively
Setting Your Group's Agenda
Guidelines: Setting Your Agenda
Ethics Note: Pulling Your Weight on Collaborative Projects
Conducting Efficient Face-to-Face Meetings
Communicating Diplomatically
Guidelines: Communicating Diplomatically
Critiquing a Group Member's Work
Guidelines: Critiquing a Colleague's Work
Using Electronic Tools in Collaboration
Using the Comment, Revision, and Highlighting Features on a Word Processor
Tech Tip: How to Use the Review Tab
Interactive Sample Document: Critiquing a Draft Clearly and Diplomatically
Using Groupware
Using Videoconferencing Technology
Guidelines: Participating in a Videoconference
Gender and Collaboration
Culture and Collaboration
Collaborator's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 4: Handling Interpersonal Conflict
Part Two: Planning the Document
5. Analyzing Your Audience and Purpose
Determining the Important Characteristics of Your Audience
Who Are Your Readers?
Why is Your Audience Reading Your Document?
What Are Your Readers' Attitudes and Expectations?
How Will Your Readers Use Your Document?
Techniques for Learning about an Audience
Tallying What You Do and Do Not Already Know about Your Audience
Interviewing People
Searching for Information on the Internet
Reading Documents Your Readers Have Written
Applying What You Have Learned about Your Audience
Communicating Across Cultures
Understanding the Cultural Variables "On the Surface"
Understanding the Cultural Variables "Beneath the Surface"
Considering Cultural Variables as You Write
Guidelines: Writing for Readers from Other Cultures
Ethics Note: Meeting Your Readers' Needs Responsibly
Interactive Sample Document: Examining Cultural Variables in a Business Letter
Using Graphics and Design for Multicultural Readers
Using an Audience Profile Sheet
Writing for Multiple Audiences
Determining Your Purpose
Gaining Management's Approval
Revising Information for a New Audience and Purpose
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 5: Planning an Apology to a Customer from the People's Republic of China
6. Researching Your Subject
Understanding the Differences Between Academic and Workplace Research
Understanding the Research Process
Choosing Appropriate Research Methods
Guidelines: Researching a Topic
Conducting Secondary Research
Understanding the Research Media
Using Basic Research Tools
Researching Government Information
Using Web 2.0 Resources
Evaluating the Information
Guidelines: Evaluating Print and Online Sources
Interactive Sample Document: Evaluating Information from the Internet
Conducting Primary Research
Observations and Demonstrations
Inspections
Experiments
Field Research
Interviews
Guidelines: Conducting an Interview
Inquiry letters or E-mails
Questionnaires
Guidelines: Reporting and Analyzing Data Honestly
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 6: Choosing an Appropriate Primary Research Method
7. Organizing Your Information
Understanding Three Principles for Organizing Technical Information
Analyzing Your Audience and Purpose
Using Conventional Patterns of Arrangement
Displaying Your Arrangement Prominently
Using Basic Patterns of Organizing Information
Chronological
Guidelines: Organizing Information Chronologically
Spatial
Guidelines: Organizing Information Spatially
General to Specific
Guidelines: Organizing Information from General to Specific
More Important to Less Important
Guidelines: Organizing Information from More Important to Less Important
Comparison and Contrast
Guidelines: Organizing Information by Comparison and Contrast
Ethics Note: Comparing and Contrasting Fairly
Interactive Sample Documentl Comparing and Contrasting Honestly
Classification and Partition
Guidelines: Organizing Information by Classification and Partition
Problem-Methods-Solution
Guidelines: Organizing Information by Problem-Methods-Solution
Cause and Effect
Guidelines: Organizing Information by Cause and Effect
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 7: Organizing a Document
Part Three: Developing and Testing the Verbal and Visual Information
8. Commuicating Persuasively
Considering the Context of Your Argument
Understanding Your Audience's Broader Goals
Working Within Constraints
Crafting a Persuasive Argument
Identifying the Elements of Your Argument
Using the Right Kinds of Evidence
Interactive Sample Document: Analyzing Evidence in Argument
Considering Opposing Viewpoints
Appealing to Emotions Responsibly
Deciding Where to Present the Claim
Avoiding Logical Fallacies
Presenting Yourself Effectively
Guidelines: Creating a Professional Persona
Using Graphics and Design as Persuasive Elements
Ethics Note: Seeming Honest versus Being Honest in Persuasive Writing
A Look at Several Persuasive Arguments
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 8: Being Persuasive about Privacy
9. Writing Coherent Documents
Writing Coherent Titles
Writing Coherent Headings
Guidelines: Revising Headings
Writing Coherent Lists
Writing Coherent Paragraphs
Structure Paragraphs Clearly
Ethics Note: Avoiding Burying Bad News in Paragraphs
Guidelines: Dividing Long Paragraphs
Use Coherence Devices Within and Between Paragraphs
Interactive Sample Document: Identifying the Elements of a Coherent Paragraph
Creating a Coherent Design
Using Headers and Footers to Enhance Coherence
Use Typeface to Enhance Coherence
Tech Tip: How to Use the Style Group
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 9: Writing Guidelines About Coherence
10. Writing Effective Sentences
Structuring Effective Sentences
Use Lists
Guidelines: Creating Effective Lists
Tech Tip: How to Create Bulleted and Numbered Lists
Emphasize New and Important Information
Choose an Appropriate Sentence Length
Focus on the "Real" Subject
Focus on the "Real" Verb
Use Parallel Structures
Use Modifiers Effectively
Choosing the Right Words and Phrases
Select an Appropriate Level of Formality
Be Clear and Specific
Ethics Note: Euphemisms and Truth Telling
Be Concise
Interactive Sample Document: Revising for Conciseness and Simplicity
Use Inoffensive Language
Guidelines: Avoiding Sexist Language
Guidelines: Using the People-First Approach
Understanding Simplified English for Nonnative Speakers
Preparing Text for Translation
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 10: Preparing Products for the Global Marketplace
11. Designing Documents and Web Sites
Goals of Document and Web Design
Understanding Design Principles
Proximity
Alignment
Repetition
Contrast
Planning the Design of Documents and Web Sites
Analyze Your Audience and Purpose
Determine Your Resources
Designing Documents
Size
Paper
Bindings
Accessing Tools
Tech Tip: How to Set Up Pages
Designing Pages
Guidelines: Understanding Learning Theory and Page Design
Page Layout
Columns
Tech Tip: How to Format Columns
Typography
Tech Tip: How to Format Fonts
Ethics Note: Using Type Sizes Responsibly
Tech Tip: How to Modify Line Spacing
Tech Tip: How To Modify Justification
Titles and Headings
Other Design Features
Tech Tip: How to Create Borders and Screens
Tech Tip: How to Create Text Boxes
Analyzing Some Page Designs
Interactive Sample Document: Analyzing a Page Design
Designing Web Sites
Create Informative Headers and Footers
Help Readers Navigate the Site
Guidelines: Making Your Site Easy to Navigate
Include Extra Features Your Readers Might Need
Design for Readers with Disabilities
Design for Multicultural Audiences
Ethics Note: Designing Legal and Honest Web Pages
Designing Web Pages
Aim for Simplicity
Guidelines: Designing a Simple Site
Make the Text Easy to Read and Understand
Guidelines: Designing Easy-to-Read Text
Create Clear, Informative Links
Guidelines: Writing Clear, Informative Links
Analyzing Some Web Pages
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 11: Designing a Report Template
12. Creating Graphics
The Functions of Graphics
Characteristics of an Effective Graphic
Ethics Note: Creating Honest Graphics
Guidelines: Integrating Graphics and Text
Understanding the Process of Creating Graphics
Planning Graphics
Creating Graphics
Tech Tip: How to Insert and Modify Graphics
Revising Graphics
Citing Graphics
Using Color Effectively
Choosing the Appropriate Kind of Graphic
Illustrating Numerical Information
Guidelines: Creating Effective Tables
Tech Tip: How to Use Tab Stops
Tech Tip: How to Create Tables
Tech Tip: How to Create Graphics in Excel
Guidelines: Creating Effective Bar Graphics
Tech Tip: How to Use Drawing Tools
Interactive Sample Document: Balancing Clarity and Drama in Graphics
Guidelines: Creating Effective Line Graphics
Guidelines: Creating Effective Pie Charts
Illustrating Logical Relationships
Illustrating Process Descriptions and Instructions
Illustrating Visual and Spatial Characteristics
Guidelines: Presenting Photographs Effectively
Tech Tip: How to Create Screen Shots
Showing Motion in Your Graphics
Creating Effective Graphics for Multicultural Readers
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 12: Evaluating Graphics Made in a Spreadsheet Program
13. Reviewing, Evaluating, and Testing Documents and Web Sites
Reviewing Documents and Web Sites
Revising
Editing
Guidelines: Editing the Draft
Proofreading
Conducting Usability Evaluations
Conducting Usability Tests
The Basic Principles of Usability Testing
Preparing for a Usability Test
Conducting a Usability Test
Interpreting and Reporting the Data from a Usability Test
Ethics Note: Understanding the Ethics of Informed Consent
Interactive Sample Document: Obtaining Informed Consent
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 13: Reviewing and Testing Documents
Part Four: Learning Important Applications
14. Writing Letters, Memos, and E-mails
Understanding the Process for Writing Letters, Memos, and E-mails
Selecting a Type of Correspondence
Presenting Yourself Effectively in Correspondence
Use the Appropriate Level of Formality
Communicate Correctly
Project the "You" Attitude
Avoid Correspondence Clichés
Communicate Honestly
Ethics Note: Writing Honest Business Correspondence
Writing Letters
Understanding the Elements of a Letter
Learning the Format of a Letter
Understanding Common Types of Letters
Writing Memos
Guidelines: Organizing a Memo
Writing E-mails
Guidelines: Following Netiquette
Interactive Sample Document: Following Netiquette in an E-mail
Writing Business Correspondence to International Readers
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 14: Projecting the "You Attitude" When Corresponding with Customers and Colleagues
15. Preparing Job-Application Materials
Understanding the Process for Preparing Job-Application Materials
Planning the Job Search
Understanding Seven Ways to Look for a Position
Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Social-networking Sites and the Job Search
Writing Paper Résumés
Appearance of the Résumé
Content of the Résumé
Ethics Note: Honesty in Job-Application Materials
Elements of the Chronological Résumé
Guidelines: Elaborating on Your Education
Elements of the Skillls Résumé
Writing Electronic Résumés
Content of the Electronic Résumé
Format of the Electronic Résumé
Guidelines: Preparing a Text Résumé
Interactive Sample Document: Preparing an ASCII Résumé
Guidelines: Preparing a Scannable Résumé
Writing Job-Application Letters
The Concepts of Selectivity and Development
Elements of the Job-Application Letter
Preparing for a Job Interview
Guidelines: Preparing for a Job Interview
Writing Follow-Up Letters After an Interview
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 15: Identifying Trasferable Skills for a Career Changer
16. Writing Proposals
Understanding the Process for Writing Proposals
The Logistics of Proposals
External and Internal Proposals
Solicited and Unsolicited Proposals
The "Deliverables" of Proposals
Research Proposals
Goods and Services Proposals
Persuasion and Proposals
Understanding Readers' Needs
Describing What You Plan to Do
Demonstrating Your Professionalism
Guidelines: Demonstrating Your Professionalism in a Proposal
Ethics Note: Writing Honest Proposals
Writing a Proposal
The Structure of the Proposal
Summary
Introduction
Guidelines: Introducing a Proposal
Proposed Program
Qualifications and Expertise
Budget
Appendices
Tech Tip: How to Create a Gantt Chart
Sample Internal Proposal
Interactive Sample Document: Writing a Project Description
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 16: Selecting a Funding Source
17. Writing Informational Reports
Understanding the Process of Writing Informational Reports
Writing Directives
Interactive Sample Document: Writing a Persuasive Directive
Writing Field Reports
Guidelines: Responding to Readers' Questions in a Field Report
Writing Progress and Status Reports
Ethics Note: Reporting Your Progress Honestly
Organizing Progress and Status Reports
Concluding Progress and Status Reports
Guidelines: Projecting an Appropriate Tone in a Progress or Status Report
Sample Progress Report
Writing Incident Reports
Writing Meeting Minutes
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 17: Revising an Injury Report Form
18. Writing Lab Reports
Persuasion and Lab Reports
Understanding the Process of Writing Lab Reports
Understanding the Structure of the Lab Report
Title
Abstract
Introduction
Guidelines: Writing Equations
Materials and Methods
Results
Ethics Note: Presenting Data Honestly
Discussion
Conclusion
Acknolwedgments
References
Appendices
Interactive Sample Document: Evaluating Lab Reports
Understanding the Role of Science and Engineering Articles
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 18: Describing the Purpose of Lab Report Sections
19. Writing Recommendation Reports
Using a Problem-Solving Model for Preparing Recommendation Reports
Identify the Problem or Opportunity
Establish Criteria for Responding to the Problem or Opportunity
Determine the Options
Study Each Option According to the Criteria
Draw Conclusions about Each Option
Formulate Recommendations Based on the Conclusions
Ethics Note: Presenting Honest Recommendations
Writing Recommendation Reports
Writing the Body of the Report
Guidelines: Writing Recommendations
Writing Front Matter
Tech Tip: How to Format Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers
Tech Tip: How to Create a Table of Contents
Guidelines: Writing an Executive Summary
Interactive Sample Document: Analyzing an Executive Summary
Writing Back Matter
Sample Recommendation Report
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 19: Analyzing Options and Drawing Conclusions
20. Writing Definitions, Descriptions, and Instructions
Writing Definitions
Analyzing the Writing Situation for Definitions
Determining the Kind of Definition to Write
Guidelines: Writing Effective Sentence Definitions
Guidelines: Writing Extended Definitions
Deciding Where to Place the Definition
Writing Descriptions
Analyzing the Writing Situation for Descriptions
Clearly Indicate the Nature and Scope of the Description
Introduce the Description Clearly
Provide Appropriate Detail
Guidelines: Providing Appropriate Detail in Descriptions
Conclude the Description
A Look at Several Descriptions
Writing Instructions
Designing a Set of Instructions
Guidelines: Designing Clear, Attractive Pages
Planning for Safety
Ethics Note: Protecting Your Readers' Safety
Drafting Effective Instructions
Guidelines: Drafting Introductions for Instructions
Guidelines: Drafting Steps in Instructions
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading Instructions
A Look at Sample Instructions
Interactive Sample Document: Presenting Clear Instructions
Writing Manuals
Writer's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 20: Writing Instructions for Installing a Programmable Thermostat
21. Making Oral Presentations
Understanding the Role of Oral Presentations
Understanding the Process for Preparing and Delivering an Oral Presentation
Preparing a Presentation
Analyzing the Speaking Situation
Organizing and Developing the Presentation
Guidelines: Introducing a Presentation
Guidelines: Concluding a Presentation
Preparing Presentation Graphics
Tech Tip: How to Create a Master Page Design in PowerPoint
Tech Tip: How to Set List Items to Appear and Dim During a Presentation
Interactive Sample Document: Integrating Graphics and Text on a Presentation Slide
Choosing Effective Language
Guidelines: Using Memorable Language in Oral Presentations
Rehearsing a Presentation
Delivering a Presentation
Calming Your Nerves
Guidelines: Releasing Nervous Energy
Using Your Voice Effectively
Using Your Body Effectively
Guidelines: Facing an Audience
Answering Questions After a Presentation
Ethics Note: Answering Questions Honestly
Speaker's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 21: Choosing Effective Slide Layouts
22. Connecting with the Public
Persuasion and Connecting with the Public
Presenting Information to the Public
Newsletters
Guidelines: Designing an Effective Newsletter
Interactive Sample Document: Designing an Effective Newsletter
Brochures
Guidelines: Creating a Brochure
White Papers
Guidelines: Writing a White Paper
Ethics Note: Marketing Your Organization Honestly
Podcasts
Collaborating with the Public
Discussion Boards
Guidelines: Participating in Discussion Boards
Blogs
Guidelines: Being a Responsible Blogger
Wikis
Guidelines: Using and Participating in Wikis Effectively
Communicator's Checklist
• Exercises
• CASE 22: Responding to Anti-Employer Blog Posts
Appendix: Reference Handbook
Part A. Skimming Your Sources and Taking Notes
Paraphrasing
Quoting
Summarizing
Part B. Documenting Your Sources
APA Style
CSE Style
IEEE Style
MLA Style
Part C. Editing and Proofreading Your Documents
Grammatical Sentences
Punctuation
Mechanics
Proofreading Symbols and Their Meanings
Part D. Guidelines for Multilingual Writers (ESL)
Cultural and Stylistic Communication Issues
Sentence-Level Issues
References
Selected Bibliography
Index
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