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Chapter 3 Summary 1

The chapter discusses objectives for clear and concise technical communication. It recommends using specific details, answering basic questions of who, what, when, where and why, and avoiding jargon. For conciseness, it suggests limiting word, sentence and paragraph lengths. Sentences should be 12 words or less for ease of reading. Accuracy is also important, so writers should proofread and have others review their work. Technical documents should be well organized using techniques like chronology, comparison/contrast, or problem/solution structures. The writing process involves prewriting, writing, and rewriting stages.

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97 views

Chapter 3 Summary 1

The chapter discusses objectives for clear and concise technical communication. It recommends using specific details, answering basic questions of who, what, when, where and why, and avoiding jargon. For conciseness, it suggests limiting word, sentence and paragraph lengths. Sentences should be 12 words or less for ease of reading. Accuracy is also important, so writers should proofread and have others review their work. Technical documents should be well organized using techniques like chronology, comparison/contrast, or problem/solution structures. The writing process involves prewriting, writing, and rewriting stages.

Uploaded by

api-515409227
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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To: Nancy Myers

From: Sarah Hauge


Date: April 14, 2020
Subject: APLED 121-Chapter 3 Summary

CHAPTER 3

OBJECTIVES IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION

Achieving Clarity in Technical Communication - Problems can occur if you write something
that is unclear for your reader.

● Provide Specific Detail


○ Don’t use words like “some” or “recently”
○ Express yourself clearly

● Answer the Reporter’s Questions - Who, What, When, Where, Why

● Use Easily Understandable Words


○ Careful with acronyms or jargon.

Simplifying Words, Sentences and Paragraphs for Conciseness - Why use many word
when little word do trick?

● Conciseness Saves Time


○ Don’t waste people’s time.

● Technology Demands Conciseness


○ Be aware of character limitations or specific dimensions.
○ Don’t make someone search for the meat.

● Conciseness Improves Readability


○ “Readability” is the level you’re writing at, based on word and sentence lengths.
(5th grade, 9th grade, college, etc)
○ Many people read at the lowest levels - remember you are communicating with
the general public, not showing off.
○ Many readers prefer to skim rather than reading in depth.

● Limit Word Length for Conciseness


○ Try to use words under two syllables, but if you need to use a long word - use it!
○ Don’t use old-fashioned words or legalese.

● Limit Sentence Length for Conciseness


○ 12 words or less is easy to read. 15-20 is Plain English. Over 20 is cumbersome.
○ Use active language.
■ Concluded, instead of “came to the conclusion”
■ Let’s meet, not “We should have a meeting”
○ Turn long sentences into multiple sentences.

● Limit Paragraph Length for Conciseness


○ Good length is four to six typed lines.
○ Break up the information to more open, easy to view formatted sections.

Achieving Accuracy in Technical Communication - The writer’s credibility will be suspect if


errors are found.

● Proofreading Tips
○ Let someone else read it - you know what you wrote, but they will find issues.
○ Read it again after a break, and read it out loud.
○ Printed words are easier to correct.
○ Don’t forget your computer has a spelling and grammar check.

Organizing Technical Communication - Even without errors, it’s hard to follow someone’s
rambling thoughts or make sense of a wall of text. Ways to organize:

● Spatial organization, Chronology, Importance, Comparison/Contrast, Problem/Solution,


Cause and Effect.

The Writing Process at Work


● Prewriting - Capture your thoughts in outline format, using abbreviations for brevity.
● Writing - Write your document.
● Rewriting - Use the proofreading tips and think about how your reader will receive your
information.

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