Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace with NEW MyTechCommLab with eText -- Access Card Package
2nd Edition
Published on 27. March 2012
Book
Mixed media product
528 pages
978-0-321-84628-0 (ISBN)
Description
ALERT: Before you purchase, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. Several versions of Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products exist for each title, including customized versions for individual schools, and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a CourseID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products.
Packages
Access codes for Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products may not be included when purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson; check with the seller before completing your purchase.
Used or rental books
If you rent or purchase a used book with an access code, the access code may have been redeemed previously and you may have to purchase a new access code.
Access codes
Access codes that are purchased from sellers other than Pearson carry a higher risk of being either the wrong ISBN or a previously redeemed code. Check with the seller prior to purchase.
--
Practical and affordable, Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace offers complete coverage of routine workplace documents, complex forms of communication, and the latest technological innovations in a streamlined presentation of 528 pages. Emphasizing immediate and ongoing document creation as well as audience and purpose, Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace is appropriate for technical communication students and writers of all levels. Three new chapters cover email and text messages, blogs, wikis, and social networks, and ehtics. There is increased coverage on audience analysis in Chapter 4, where readers learn how to write persuasively in addition to analyzing audience/purpose and creating usable documents.
Packages
Access codes for Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products may not be included when purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson; check with the seller before completing your purchase.
Used or rental books
If you rent or purchase a used book with an access code, the access code may have been redeemed previously and you may have to purchase a new access code.
Access codes
Access codes that are purchased from sellers other than Pearson carry a higher risk of being either the wrong ISBN or a previously redeemed code. Check with the seller prior to purchase.
--
Practical and affordable, Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace offers complete coverage of routine workplace documents, complex forms of communication, and the latest technological innovations in a streamlined presentation of 528 pages. Emphasizing immediate and ongoing document creation as well as audience and purpose, Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace is appropriate for technical communication students and writers of all levels. Three new chapters cover email and text messages, blogs, wikis, and social networks, and ehtics. There is increased coverage on audience analysis in Chapter 4, where readers learn how to write persuasively in addition to analyzing audience/purpose and creating usable documents.
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
New Jersey
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
College/higher education
Weight
748 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-321-84628-0 (9780321846280)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Laura J. Gurak | John M. Lannon
Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace
Book
12/2009
Pearson
€86.84
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Laura J. Gurak is professor and founding chair of the Department of Writing Studies at the University of Minnesota. She holds an M.S. in technical communication and a Ph.D. in communication and rhetoric from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is author of two books from Yale University Press (1997, 2001), the earlier of which was the first book-length work to study online communities and Internet-based social actions. Gurak is also co-editor of several edited collections and author on numerous conference presentations and papers; she is a recipient of the Society for Technical Communication's Outstanding Article award. Gurak has authored and coauthored five textbooks in technical communication published by Pearson. She has worked as a technical writer and communications consultant for various companies and organizations.
John M. Lannon is Professor Emeritus and former Director of Writing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he developed the undergraduate major in professional writing and later co-developed the M.A. program in professional writing.
He has also taught at Cape Cod Community College, University of Idaho, Southern Vermont College, and University of Strasbourg.
He has authored and coauthored five major textbooks in business communication, rhetoric, and technical communication, book reviews, filmstrips, and environmental documents and instructional software. He is the recipient of an NDEA Fellowship and Fulbright Lectureship. He holds a B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His initial training and work was in biomedical science and technology with the USAF. He has served as a communications consultant for various companies and government institutions. He worked seven years in medical laboratories.
John M. Lannon is Professor Emeritus and former Director of Writing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he developed the undergraduate major in professional writing and later co-developed the M.A. program in professional writing.
He has also taught at Cape Cod Community College, University of Idaho, Southern Vermont College, and University of Strasbourg.
He has authored and coauthored five major textbooks in business communication, rhetoric, and technical communication, book reviews, filmstrips, and environmental documents and instructional software. He is the recipient of an NDEA Fellowship and Fulbright Lectureship. He holds a B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His initial training and work was in biomedical science and technology with the USAF. He has served as a communications consultant for various companies and government institutions. He worked seven years in medical laboratories.
Content
Preface
PART 1 FOUNDATIONS
1 Introduction to Technical Communication
What Is Technical Communication?
Who Creates Technical Communication?
Main Features of Technical Communication
Three Primary Purposes of Effective Technical Communication
Common Types of Technical Documents
The Importance of Proofreading
2 Teamwork and Global Issues in Technical Communication
Teamwork in Technical Communication
Global Issues in Technical Communication
3 The Research Process in Technical Communication
Thinking Critically about Research
Primary versus Secondary Sources
Exploring Secondary Sources
Exploring Primary Sources
4 Providing Audiences with Usable Information
Analyze the Document's Audience
Determine the Document's Purpose
Know How to Be Persuasive
Create a Task Analysis for the Document
Consider Other Related Usability Factors
Develop an Information Plan for the Document
Write, Test, and Revise the Document
5 Recognizing Ethical Issues in Technical Communication
Ethics, Technology, and Communication
Types of Ethical Choices
How Workplace Pressures Affect Ethical Values
Recognizing and Avoiding Ethical Abuses
PART 2 BLUEPRINTS
6 Structuring Information for Your Readers
The Importance of an Understandable Structure
Outlining
Chunking
Sequencing
Paragraphing
Clarifying Headings
Providing an Overview
7 Writing with a Readable Style
The Importance of a Readable Style
Writing Clearly
Writing Concisely
Writing Fluently
Writing Personably
8 Using Audience-Centered Visuals
The Importance of Using Audience-Centered Visuals
When to Use Visuals
Types of Visuals
Special Considerations When Using Visuals
9 Designing User-Friendly Documents
The Importance of User-Friendly Document Design
Characteristics of Well Designed Documents
Specific Design Elements
PART 3 DOCUMENTS
10 Resumes and Other Employment Materials
Assessing Your Skills and Aptitudes
Researching the Job Market
Resumes
Application Letters
Dossiers, Portfolios, and Webfolios
Interviews and Follow-Up Letters
11 Memos and Letters
Memo Basics
Memo Parts and Format
Memo Tone
Types of Memos
Letter Basics
Letter Parts and Formats
Letter Tone
Types of Letters
12 Definitions
Audience and Purpose of Definitions
Legal, Ethical, and Societal Implications of Definitions
Types of Definitions
Methods for Expanding Definitions
Using Multiple Expansion Methods
Placement of Definitions
13 Descriptions
Audience and Purpose of Descriptions
Objectivity in Descriptions
Elements of Descriptions
Product and Process Descriptions
A Complex Product Description
A Complex Process Description
Specifications
14 Instructions and Procedures
Audience and Purpose of Definitions
Types of Instructional Formats
Ethical and Legal Implications
Elements of Effective Instructions
Content, Style, and Design Considerations
Procedures
Usability Testing
15 Summaries
Audience and Purpose of Summaries
Elements of Effective Summaries
Writing Summaries Step-by-Step
Special Types of Summaries
Ethical Considerations In Summarizing Information
16 Informal Reports
Two Categories of Reports: Informational and Analytical
Progress Reports (Informational)
Periodic Activity Reports (Informational)
Trip Reports (Informational)
Meeting Minutes (Informational)
Feasibility Reports (Analytical)
Recommendation Reports (Analytical)
Peer Review Reports (Analytical)
17 Formal Reports
Audience and Purpose of Formal Reports
Elements of Effective Formal Reports
Parts of Formal Reports
A Sample Formal Report
18 Proposals
Audience and Purpose of Proposals
Types of Proposals
Organization of Informal and Formal Proposals
A Sample Formal Proposal
PART 4 DIGITAL MEDIA AND PRESENTATIONS
19 Email and Text Messages
Email
Text Messages
Comparing Email and Text Messaging
Copyright and Privacy in Digital Communication
Be Prepared for Technology to Fail
20 Blogs, Wikis, and Social Networks
Internal Corporate Blogs
External Corporate Blogs
Corporate Wikis
Social Networks
21 Web Pages and Online Videos
Audience and Purpose of Web Pages
Elements of Effective Web Pages
Online Videos
Ethical and Legal Considerations
PDF Files
Differences in Media Types
22 Oral Presentations
Audience and Purpose of Oral Presentations
Types of Oral Presentations
Parts of Oral Presentations
Preparing Oral Presentations
Using Presentation Software
Delivering Oral Presentations
APPENDICES
A Documenting Sources
What Is Plagiarism?
Identifying Sources and Information to be Documented
Taking Effective and Accurate Notes
Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing Properly
Documentation: The Key to Avoiding Plagiarism
MLA Documentation Style
APA Documentation Style
CSE Documentation Style
Recognizing Copyright Issues
B A Brief Handbook
Grammar
Punctuation
Mechanics
Usage
Transitions
Lists
Works Cited
Photo Credits
Index
PART 1 FOUNDATIONS
1 Introduction to Technical Communication
What Is Technical Communication?
Who Creates Technical Communication?
Main Features of Technical Communication
Three Primary Purposes of Effective Technical Communication
Common Types of Technical Documents
The Importance of Proofreading
2 Teamwork and Global Issues in Technical Communication
Teamwork in Technical Communication
Global Issues in Technical Communication
3 The Research Process in Technical Communication
Thinking Critically about Research
Primary versus Secondary Sources
Exploring Secondary Sources
Exploring Primary Sources
4 Providing Audiences with Usable Information
Analyze the Document's Audience
Determine the Document's Purpose
Know How to Be Persuasive
Create a Task Analysis for the Document
Consider Other Related Usability Factors
Develop an Information Plan for the Document
Write, Test, and Revise the Document
5 Recognizing Ethical Issues in Technical Communication
Ethics, Technology, and Communication
Types of Ethical Choices
How Workplace Pressures Affect Ethical Values
Recognizing and Avoiding Ethical Abuses
PART 2 BLUEPRINTS
6 Structuring Information for Your Readers
The Importance of an Understandable Structure
Outlining
Chunking
Sequencing
Paragraphing
Clarifying Headings
Providing an Overview
7 Writing with a Readable Style
The Importance of a Readable Style
Writing Clearly
Writing Concisely
Writing Fluently
Writing Personably
8 Using Audience-Centered Visuals
The Importance of Using Audience-Centered Visuals
When to Use Visuals
Types of Visuals
Special Considerations When Using Visuals
9 Designing User-Friendly Documents
The Importance of User-Friendly Document Design
Characteristics of Well Designed Documents
Specific Design Elements
PART 3 DOCUMENTS
10 Resumes and Other Employment Materials
Assessing Your Skills and Aptitudes
Researching the Job Market
Resumes
Application Letters
Dossiers, Portfolios, and Webfolios
Interviews and Follow-Up Letters
11 Memos and Letters
Memo Basics
Memo Parts and Format
Memo Tone
Types of Memos
Letter Basics
Letter Parts and Formats
Letter Tone
Types of Letters
12 Definitions
Audience and Purpose of Definitions
Legal, Ethical, and Societal Implications of Definitions
Types of Definitions
Methods for Expanding Definitions
Using Multiple Expansion Methods
Placement of Definitions
13 Descriptions
Audience and Purpose of Descriptions
Objectivity in Descriptions
Elements of Descriptions
Product and Process Descriptions
A Complex Product Description
A Complex Process Description
Specifications
14 Instructions and Procedures
Audience and Purpose of Definitions
Types of Instructional Formats
Ethical and Legal Implications
Elements of Effective Instructions
Content, Style, and Design Considerations
Procedures
Usability Testing
15 Summaries
Audience and Purpose of Summaries
Elements of Effective Summaries
Writing Summaries Step-by-Step
Special Types of Summaries
Ethical Considerations In Summarizing Information
16 Informal Reports
Two Categories of Reports: Informational and Analytical
Progress Reports (Informational)
Periodic Activity Reports (Informational)
Trip Reports (Informational)
Meeting Minutes (Informational)
Feasibility Reports (Analytical)
Recommendation Reports (Analytical)
Peer Review Reports (Analytical)
17 Formal Reports
Audience and Purpose of Formal Reports
Elements of Effective Formal Reports
Parts of Formal Reports
A Sample Formal Report
18 Proposals
Audience and Purpose of Proposals
Types of Proposals
Organization of Informal and Formal Proposals
A Sample Formal Proposal
PART 4 DIGITAL MEDIA AND PRESENTATIONS
19 Email and Text Messages
Text Messages
Comparing Email and Text Messaging
Copyright and Privacy in Digital Communication
Be Prepared for Technology to Fail
20 Blogs, Wikis, and Social Networks
Internal Corporate Blogs
External Corporate Blogs
Corporate Wikis
Social Networks
21 Web Pages and Online Videos
Audience and Purpose of Web Pages
Elements of Effective Web Pages
Online Videos
Ethical and Legal Considerations
PDF Files
Differences in Media Types
22 Oral Presentations
Audience and Purpose of Oral Presentations
Types of Oral Presentations
Parts of Oral Presentations
Preparing Oral Presentations
Using Presentation Software
Delivering Oral Presentations
APPENDICES
A Documenting Sources
What Is Plagiarism?
Identifying Sources and Information to be Documented
Taking Effective and Accurate Notes
Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing Properly
Documentation: The Key to Avoiding Plagiarism
MLA Documentation Style
APA Documentation Style
CSE Documentation Style
Recognizing Copyright Issues
B A Brief Handbook
Grammar
Punctuation
Mechanics
Usage
Transitions
Lists
Works Cited
Photo Credits
Index