Technical Communication: Pearson New International Edition

List of contents

PART I
COMMUNICATING IN THE WORKPLACE
 
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
What is Technical Communication?
Technical Communication Is a Digital and a Human Activity
Technical Communication Reaches a Diverse Audience
Technical Communication Is Part of Most Careers
Technical Communicators Play Many Roles
Characteristics of Effective Technical Communication
Purposes of Technical Communication
Types of Technical Communication
Preparing an Effective Technical Document
   Case:Providing Information Readers Can Use
   Case:Being Persuasive
   Case:Considering the Ethical Issues
   Case:Working on a Team and Thinking Globally
   Consider This:Most Workplace Settings Have a Virtual Component
Projects
 
Chapter 2: MEETING THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC AUDIENCES
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Know What Different Audiences Expect
Analyze Your Document’s Audience and Purpose
Assess the Audience’s Technical Background
Case:Tailoring a Single Document for Multiple Audiences
Identify the Audiences’ Cultural Background
Anticipate Your Audience’s Preferences
   Guidelinesfor Analyzing Audience and Purpose
Develop an Audience and Use Profile
   Case:  Developing an Audience and Use Profile
Brainstorm as a Way of Getting Started
   Consider This: Failure to Communicate with the Audience Can Have Drastic Consequences
   Checklist:Analyzing Audience and Purpose
Projects
 
Chapter 3: PERSUADING YOUR READERS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Identify Your Specific Persuasive Goal
Try to Predict Audience Reaction
Expect Audience Resistance
Know How to Connect with the Audience
   Case:Connecting with the Audience
Allow for Give-and-Take
Ask for a Specific Response
Never Ask for Too Much
Recognize All Constraints
   Consider This: People Often React Emotionally to Persuasive Appeals
Support Your Claims Convincingly
Consider the Cultural Context
   Guidelines for Persuasion
Shaping Your Argument
   Checklist: Persuasion
Projects
 
Chapter 4: WEIGHING THE ETHICAL ISSUES
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Recognize Unethical Communication in the Workplace
Know the Major Causes of Unethical Communication
Understand the Potential for Communication Abuse
Rely on Critical Thinking for Ethical Decisions
Anticipate Some Hard Choices
   Case: A Hard Choice
Never Depend Only on Legal Guidelines
Learn To Recognize Plagiarism
   Consider This- Ethical Standards Are Good for Business
Decide Where and How to Report Ethical Abuses
   Checklist: Ethical Communication
   Guidelines for Ethical Communication
Projects
 
Chapter 5: TEAMWORK AND GLOBAL CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Teamwork and Project Management
   Guidelines for Managing a Collaborative Project
Conducting Meetings
   Guidelines for Running a Meeting
Sources of Conflict in Collaborative Groups
Managing Group Conflict
Overcoming Difference by Active Listening
   Guidelines for Active Listening
Thinking Creatively
Reviewing and Editing Others’ Work
   Guidelines for Peer Reviewing and Editing
Ethical abuses in Workplace Collaboration
Global Considerations when Working in Teams
   Guidelines for Global Team Communication
   Checklist: Teamwork and Global Considerations
Projects
 
Chapter 6: AN OVERVIEW OF THE TECHNICAL WRITING PROCESS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Critical Thinking in the Writing Process
A Sample Writing Situation
Make Proofreading Your Final Step
   Guidelines for Proofreading
   Checklist:Proofreading
Limitations of Writing with Digital Technology
Projects
PART II
  THE RESEARCH PROCESS
 
Chapter 7: THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Asking the Right Questions
   Case: Defining and Refining a Research Question
Exploring a Balance of Views
Achieving Adequate Depth in Your Search
Evaluating Your Finding
Interpreting Your Findings
   Guidelines for Thinking Critically about Research
Primary versus Secondary Sources
Exploring Secondary Sources
   Guidelines for Researching on the Internet
Exploring Primary Sources
   Guidelines for Informational Interviews
   Guidelines for Surveys
   Consider This: Frequently Asked Questions about Copyright
   Checklist: Doing Research
Projects
 
Chapter 8:  EVALUATING AND INTERPRETING INFORMATON 
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Evaluate the Sources
Evaluate the Evidence
Interpret Your Findings
   Consider This: Standards of Proof Vary for Different Audiences and Cultural
Avoid Distorted or Unethical Reasoning
Acknowledge the Limits of Research
   Guidelines for Evaluating and Interpreting Information
   Checklist: Evaluating and Interpreting Information
Projects
 
Chapter 9: SUMMARIZING RESEARCH FINDINGS AND OTHER COMPLEX INFORMATION
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Audience and Purpose
What Readers Expect from a Summary
   Guidelines for Summarizing Information
A Situation Requiring a Summary
Special Types of Summaries
Ethical and Global Considerations in Summarizing Information
   Checklist: Summaries
Projects
PART III
ORGANIZATION, STYLE, AND VISUAL DESIGN
 
Chapter 10: ORGANIZING FOR READERS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
The Typical Shape of Workplace Documents
Outlining
   Guidelines for Outlining
Storyboarding
Paragraphing
Sequencing
Chunking
Producing and Overview
Organizing for Global Audiences
   Checklist for Organizing Information
Projects
 
Chapter 11: EDITING FOR A PROFESSIONAL STYLE AND TONE
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Editing for Clarity
Editing for Conciseness
Editing for Fluency
Finding the Exact Words
Adjusting Your Tone
   Guidelines for Deciding about Tone
   Guidelines for Nonsexist Usage
   Guidelines for Inoffensive Usage
Considering the Global Context
Legal and Ethical Implications of Word Choice
Using Automated Editing Tools Effectively
   Checklist: Style
Projects
 
Chapter 12: DESIGNING VISUAL INFORMATION
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Why Visuals Matter
When to Use Visuals
Types of Visuals to Consider
How to Choose the Right Visuals for Your Readers
Tables
Graphs
   Guidelines for Creating Tables and Graphs
Charts
   Guidelines for Creating Charts
Graphic Illustrations
   Guidelines for Creating Graphic Illustrations
Photographs
   Guidelines for Using Photographs
Videos
   Guidelines for Using Videos
Software and Downloadable Images
Using Color
   Guidelines for Incorporating Color
Ethical Considerations
Guidelines for Obtaining and Citing Visual Material
Cultural Considerations
   Guidelines for Fitting Visuals with Text
   Checklist: Effective Use of Visuals
Projects
 
Chapter 13: DESIGNING PAGES AND DOCUMENTS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Page Design in Workplace Documents
How Page Design Transforms a Document
Design Skills Needed in Today’s Workplace
Creating a Design that Works for Your Readers
   Guidelines for Shaping the Page
   Guidelines for Styling the Words and Letters
   Guidelines for Adding Emphasis
   Guidelines for Using Headings for Access and Orientation
Audience Considerations in Page Design
Designing Digital Documents
   Checklist: Effective Page Design
Projects
 
PART IV
SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS AND APPLICATIONS
 
Chapter 14:DESIGNING AND TESTING DOCUMENTS FOR USABILITY
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Why Usable Design Is Essential
Achieving a Usable Design
Creating a Document Plan
Writing, Testing, and Revising your Document
   Guidelines for Preparing a Document and Testing it for Usability
Ethical and Global Issues Affecting Usability
Usability Issues in Online or Multimedia Documents
   Checklist: for Usability
Projects
 
Chapter 15: MEMOS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Considering your Audience and Purpose
Memo Parts and Format
Memo Tone
Common Types of Memos
   Guidelinesfor Memos
   Checklist: Memos
Projects
 
Chapter 16: EMAIL AND INSTANT MESSAGING
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Email
Email Style and Tone
Using Visuals with Email
Ethical Issues when Using Email
Global Considerations When Using Email
   Guidelinesfor Writing and Using Email
   Guidelinesfor Choosing Email versus Paper, Telephone, or Fax
Instant Messaging
Instant Messaging: Considering Audience and Purpose
   Guidelinesfor Instant Messaging
   Checklistfor Email and Instant Messaging
Projects
  
Chapter 17: RÉSUMÉS AND OTHER JOB-SEARCH MATERIALS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Assessing Yours Skills and Aptitudes
Researching the Job Market
Résumés
Considering Your Audience and Purpose
   Guidelines for Hard CopyRésumés
   Guidelinesfor Scannable and Emailed Résumés
   Guidelinesfor Online Résumés
Application Letters
Guidelinesfor Application Letters
Consider This: How applicants are Screened for Personal Qualities
Dossiers, Portfolios, and Webfolios
   Guidelines Dossiers, Portfolos, and Webfolios
Interviews and Follow up Letters
Guidelinesfor Interviews and Follow-Up Letters
   Checklist:Résumés
   Checklist: Application Letters
   Checklist: Supporting Material
Projects
 
Chapter 18: TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Audience and Purpose
Legal, Ethical, Societal, and Global Implications
Types of Definition
Methods for Expanding Definitions
Situations Requiring Definitions
Placement of Definitions in a Document
   Guidelinesfor Definitions
   Checklistfor Definitions
Projects
 
Chapter 19: TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND MARKETING MATERIALS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Considering Audience and Purpose
Types of Technical Descriptions
Objectivity in Technical Descriptions
Elements of a Usable Description
An Outline and Model for Product Description
A Situation Requiring Product Description
An Outline for Process Description
A Situation Requiring Process Description
   Case:A Process Description for a Nontechnical Audience
   Guidelinesfor Descriptions
Specifications
   Guidelinesfor Specifications
Technical Marketing Materials
   Guidelinesfor Technical Marketing Materials
   Checklist: Technical Descriptions
   Checklist: Specifications
   Checklist: Technical Marketing Materials
Projects
 
Chapter 20: INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Considering Audience and Purpose
Formats for Instructional Documents
Faulty Instructions and Legal Liability
Elements of Effective Instructions
   Guidelinesfor Providing Appropriate Detail
   Guidelinesfor Designing Instructions
An Outline for Instructions
A Situation Requiring Instructions
Digital and Online Instructions
Video Instructions
Evaluating the Usability of Instructional Documents
Procedures
   Checklist:Effective Instructions and Procedures
Projects
 
Chapter 21 : INFORMAL REPORTS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Informational versus Analytical Reports
Progress Reports
   Guidelinesfor Progress Reports
Periodic Activity Reports
   Guidelinesfor Periodic Activity Reports
Trip Reports
   Guidelinesfor Trip Reports
Meeting Minutes
   Guidelinesfor Meeting Minutes
Feasibility Reports
   Guidelinesfor Feasibility Reports
Recommendation Reports
   Guidelinesfor Recommendation Reports
Justification Reports
   Guidelines for Justification Reports
Peer Review Reports
   Guidelinesfor Peer Review Reports
   Checklist:Informal Reports
Projects
 
Chapter 22: FORMAL ANALYTICAL REPORTS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Considering Audience and Purpose
Typical Analytical Problems
   Case:The Reasoning Process in Casual Analysis
   Case:The Reasoning Process in Comparative Analysis
   Case:The Reasoning Process in Feasibility Analysis
Elements of a an Effective Analysis
An Outline and Model for Analytical Reports
Front Matter and End Matter
A Situation Requiring an Analytical Report
   Guidelinesfor Reasoning through an Analytical Problem
   Checklist: Analytical Reports
Projects
 
Chapter 23: PROPOSALS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Considering Audience and Purpose
The Proposal Process
   Case:Submitting a Competitive Proposal
Types of Proposals
Elements of a Persuasive Proposal
An Outline and Model for Proposals
   Guidelinesfor Proposals
Situation Requiring a Formal Proposal
   Checklist: Usability of Proposals
Projects
 
Chapter 24: ORAL PRESENTATIONS AND WEBINARS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Advantages and Drawbacks of Oral Presentations
Avoiding Presentation Pitfalls
Planning Your Presentation
Preparing Your Presentation
Planning and Creating Your Visuals
   Guidelinesfor Readable Visuals
   Guidelines for Understandable Visuals
Choosing the Right Technology
Using Presentation Software
   Case:PowerPoint and the Space Shuttle ColumbiaDisaster
   Guidelines for Using Presentation Software
Delivering Your Presentation
   Guidelines for Using Visual Aids
   Guidelines forManaging Listener Questions
   Guidelines for Delivering Oral Presentations
   Consider This: Cross Cultural Audiences May Have Specific Expectations
Webinars and Distance Presentations
   Guidelines forWebinars and Distance Presentations
   Checklist: Oral Presentations
Projects
 
Chapter 25: WEB PAGES
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Considering Audience and Purpose
How Readers Read Web Pages
Writing for the Web
   Guidelines for Writing Web Pages
Designing Web Pages
   Guidelines for Designing Web Pages
Techniques and Technologies for Creating Web Sites
Global Issues and Web Pages
   Guidelines for Addressing Global Audiences
Ethical and Legal Considerations for Web Sites
   Checklist: Web Pages
Projects
 
Chapter 26: BLOGS, WIKIS, AND SOCIAL NETWORKS
Learning Objectives for This Chapter
Considering Audience and Purpose
Using Blogs for Technical Communication
Using Wikis for Technical Communication
   Guidelines for Writing and Using Blogs and Wikis
Using Social Networks for Technical Communication
   Guidelines for Writing and Using Social Networks
Ethical and Legal Considerations
   Consider This: Blogs, Wikis, and Social Networks Change How We Work and Learn
   Checklist:Blogs, Wikis, and Social Networks
Projects

Summary

Thoroughly revised and updated, this newly designed full color and streamlined 12th edition places special emphasis on up-to-the-minute coverage of ethics, global communication, and technology.
 

Product details

• Authors: Laura J. Gurak, John M. Lannon
• Publisher: Pearson Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.04.2014
• EAN: 9781292023762
• ISBN: 978-1-292-02376-2
• No. of pages: 684
• Weight: 1360 g
• Series: Pearson; Pearson
• Subject: Non-fiction book > Psychology, esoterics, spirituality, anthroposophy > Applied psychology