Technical Communication is designed to help you write persuasively, effectively and with a global perspective on innovations in communication. The text provides straightforward explanations that build from foundational concepts and research to document design and applications. Helpful annotated model documents and figures include examples relevant to today's workplace and make abstract concepts and technical document creation easy to grasp. Clear objectives appear at the start of every chapter and are reinforced by cases, guidelines and projects that offer meaningful practice.
The 16th Edition reflects current innovations in communication for a digitally savvy, diverse and global workforce. Coverage includes Guidelines for Identifying Misinformation, effective and legally sound use of social media and AI's role in the writing process.
PART 1: COMMUNICATING IN THE WORKPLACE
Introduction to Technical Communication
Meeting the Needs of Specific Audiences
Persuading Your Audience
Weighing the Ethical Issues
Teamwork and Global Considerations
An Overview of the Technical Writing Process
PART 2: THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Thinking Critically about the Research Process
Evaluating and Interpreting Information
Summarizing Research Findings and Other Information
PART 3: ORGANIZATION, STYLE, AND VISUAL DESIGN
Organizing for Readers
Editing for a Professional Style and Tone
Designing Visual Information
Designing Pages and Documents
PART 4: SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS AND APPLICATIONS
Email, Texts, and Instant Messaging
Workplace Memos and Letters
Résumés and Other Job-Search Materials
Technical Definitions
Technical Descriptions, Specifications, and Marketing Materials
Instructions and Procedures
Informal Reports
Formal Analytical Reports
Proposals
Presentations and Video Conferencing
Web Pages and Social Media
PART 5: RESOURCES FOR TECHNICAL WRITERS APPENDICES
A Quick Guide to Documentation
A Quick Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
About our authors Laura J. Gurak is professor and founding chair of the Department of Writing Studies at the University of Minnesota, where she teaches courses in technical writing and digital communication. She holds an M.S. in technical communication and a Ph.D. in communication and rhetoric from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Gurak is author of two books from Yale University Press, one of which was the first book-length study of online social actions, as well as several edited collections, conference presentations, and papers. She is a recipient of the Society for Technical Communications Outstanding Article award and her colleges Distinguished Teaching Award. Gurak has authored and/or coauthored five textbooks in technical communication, published by Pearson. She has worked as a software developer, 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 codeveloped 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 5 major textbooks in business communication, rhetoric and technical communication; book reviews; filmstrips; 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 were in biomedical science and technology with the USAF. He has also served as a communications consultant for various companies and government institutions.
