NEW MyLab Tech Comm with Pearson eText -- Standalone Access Card -- for Technical Communication

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.   --Technical Communication offers complete coverage of technical communication, business communication, and professional writing in a user-friendly writing style. The topics move from basic foundational concepts, to chapters on research, visuals, style, document design, usability, and finally to specific documents (basic workplace correspondence to more complex documents, technologies, and oral presentations).  The appendix includes thorough coverage of MLA, APA, and CSE (Council of Science Editors) documentation styles, and a handbook of grammar, mechanics, and usage. All descriptions of and instructions for creating technical documents are accompanied by clear, annotated model documents.  In addition, graphic illustrations appear throughout the book to make abstract concepts easy to understand. Checklists and Projects provide plentiful opportunities to learn and reinforce chapter topics.

Table of Contents:
Preface   PART 1 COMMUNICATING IN THE WORKPLACE   1. INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION What Is Technical Communication? Technical Communication Is a Digital and a Human Activity Technical Communication Reaches a Global Audience Technical Communication Is Part of Most Careers Technical Communicators Play Many Roles  Main Features of Technical Communication  Reader-CenteredAccessible and EfficientOften Produced by Teams Delivered in Paper and Digital Versions Purposes of Technical Communication Documents that InformDocuments that Instruct Documents that Persuade Preparing Effective Technical Documents Case Providing Information Readers Can Use Case Being PersuasiveCase Considering the Ethical Issues Case Working on Team and Thinking Globally Projects   2. MEETING THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC AUDIENCES Analyze Your Document’s Audience and Purpose Primary and Secondary Audiences Your Relationship to Your Readers Purpose of Your Document Primary and Secondary PurposesIntended Use of the Document Assess the Audience’s Technical Background The Highly Technical Audience The Semitechnical Audience The Nontechnical Audience Audiences with Varying Technical Backgrounds Case Tailoring a Single Document for Multiple Audiences Web-Based Documents for Multiple Audiences Identify the Audience’s Cultural Background Anticipate Your Audience’s Preferences Length and Details Format and Medium ToneDue Date and TimingBudget Guidelines for Analyzing Your Audience and Its Use of the Document Develop an Audience and Use Profile Case Developing an Audience and Use Profile Check Your Document for Usability Checklist Usability Projects   3. PERSUADING YOUR AUDIENCE 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 Organizational Constraints Legal Constraints Ethical Constraints Time Constraints Social and Psychological Constraints Consider This People Often React Emotionally to Persuasive Appeals Support Your Claims Convincingly Offer Convincing Evidence Appeal to Common Goals and Values Consider the Cultural Context Guidelines for Persuasion Shaping Your Argument Checklist Persuasion Projects 4. WEIGHING THE ETHICAL ISSUES Recognize Unethical Communication in the Workplace Know the Major Causes of Unethical Communication Yielding to Social Pressure Mistaking Groupthink for Teamwork Understand the Potential for Communication Abuse Suppressing Knowledge the Public Needs Hiding Conflicts of InterestExaggerating Claims about Technology Falsifying or Fabricating Data Using Visual Images That Conceal the Truth Stealing or Divulging Proprietary Information Misusing Electronic Information Withholding Information People Need for Their Jobs Exploiting Cultural Differences Rely on Critical Thinking for Ethical Decisions Reasonable Criteria for Ethical Judgment Ethical Dilemmas Anticipate Some Hard Choices Case A Hard Choice Never Depend Only on Legal Guidelines Learn to Recognize Plagiarism Blatant versus Unintentional Plagiarism Plagiarism and the Internet Plagiarism and Your Career Consider This Ethical Standards Are Good for Business Decide When and How to Report Ethical Abuses Checklist Ethical Communication Guidelines for Ethical Communication Projects   5. TEAMWORK AND GLOBAL CONSIDERATIONS Teamwork and Project Management   Guidelines for Managing a Collaborative Project Virtual Meetings Face-To-Face Meetings Guidelines for Running a Meeting Sources of Conflict in Collaborative Groups Interpersonal Differences Gender Differences Cultural Differences Managing Group Conflict Overcoming Differences by Active Listening Guidelines for Active Listening Thinking Creatively Brainstorm As a Way of Getting Started Brainstorming with Digital Technologies Mind-Mapping Storyboarding Reviewing and Editing Others’ Work Guidelines for Peer Reviewing and Editing Ethical Abuses in Workplace Collaboration Intimidating One’s Peers Claiming Credit for Others’ Work Hoarding Information Global Considerations When Working in Teams   Interpersonal Issues in Global Teams Guidelines for Communicating on a Global Team Checklist Teamwork and Global Considerations Projects   6. AN OVERVIEW OF THE TECHNICAL WRITING PROCESS Critical Thinking in the Writing Process A Sample Writing Situation Working with the Information Planning the Document Drafting the Document Revising the Document Make Proofreading Your Final Step Guidelines for Proofreading Digital Technology and the Writing Process Checklist Proofreading Projects   PART 2 THE RESEARCH PROCESS   7. THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROCESS Asking the Right Questions Case Defining and Refining a Research Question Exploring a Balance of Views Achieving Adequate Depth in Your Search Evaluating Your Findings Interpreting Your Findings Primary versus Secondary Sources Exploring Secondary Sources Web-Based Secondary Sources Locating Secondary Sources Using Google Locating Secondary Sources Using Wikipedia Other Web-based Secondary Sources Guidelines for Researching on the Internet Traditional Secondary Sources Exploring Primary Sources Unsolicited Inquiries Informational Interviews Guidelines for Informational Interviews Surveys Guidelines for Surveys Observations and Experiments Consider This Frequently Asked Questions about Copyright Projects   8. EVALUATING AND INTERPRETING INFORMATION Evaluate the Sources Evaluate the Evidence Interpret Your Findings Identify Your Level of Certainty Examine the Underlying Assumptions Be Alert for Personal Bias Consider Other Possible Interpretations Consider This: Standards of Proof Vary for Different Audiences and Cultural Settings Avoid Distorted or Unethical Reasoning Faulty Generalization Faulty Casual Reasoning Faulty Statistical Analysis Acknowledge the Limits of Research Obstacles to Validity and Reliability Flaws in Research Studies Deceptive Reporting Guidelines for Evaluating and Interpreting Information Checklist The Research Process Projects   9. SUMMARIZING RESEARCH FINDINGS AND OTHER INFORMATION   xx Considering Audience and Purpose What Readers Expect from a Summary Guidelines for Summarizing Information A Situation Requiring a Summary Creating a Summary Special Types of Summaries Closing Summary Informative Abstract (“Summary”) Descriptive Abstract (“Abstract”) Executive Abstract Ethical and Global Considerations in Summarizing Information Checklist Summaries Projects   PART 3 ORGANIZATION, STYLE, AND VISUAL DESIGN   10. ORGANIZING FOR READERS The Typical Shape of Workplace Documents Outlining An Outlining Strategy The Formal Outline Guidelines for Outlining Storyboarding Paragraphing The Support Paragraph The Topic Sentence Paragraph Unity Paragraph Coherence Paragraph Length Chunking Providing an Overview Organizing for Global Audiences Checklist Organizing Information Projects   11. EDITING FOR A PROFESSIONAL STYLE AND TONE Editing for Clarity Avoid Ambiguous Pronoun References Avoid Ambiguous Modifiers Unstack Modifying Nouns Arrange Word Order for Coherence and Emphasis Use Active Voice Whenever Possible Use Passive Voice Selectively Avoid Overstuffed Sentences Editing for Conciseness Avoid Wordy Phrases Eliminate Redundancy Avoid Needless Repetition Avoid There Sentence Openers Avoid Some It Sentence Openers Delete Needless Prefaces Avoid Weak Verbs Avoid Excessive Prepositions Avoid Nominalizations Make Negatives Positive Clean Out Clutter Words Delete Needless Qualifiers Editing for Fluency Combine Related Ideas Vary Sentence Construction and Length Use Short Sentences for Special Emphasis Finding the Exact Words Prefer Simple and Familiar Wording Avoid Useless Jargon Use Acronyms Selectively Avoid Triteness Avoid Misleading Euphemisms Avoid Overstatement Avoid Imprecise Wording Be Specific and Concrete Use Analogies to Sharpen the Image Adjusting Your Tone Guidelines for Deciding about Tone Consider Using an Occasional Contraction Address Readers Directly Use I and We When Appropriate Prefer the Active Voice Emphasize the Positive Avoid an Overly Informal Tone Avoid Personal Bias Avoid Sexist Usage Guidelines for Nonsexist Usage Avoid Offensive Usage of All Types Guidelines for Inoffensive Usage Considering the Global Context Legal and Ethical Implications of Word Choice Style, Tone, and Email    Using Digital Editing Tools Effectively Checklist Style Projects   12. DESIGNING VISUAL INFORMATION Why Visuals Matter When to Use Visuals Types of Visuals to Consider How to Choose the Right Visuals Tables Graphs Bar Graphs Line Graphs Guidelines for Creating Tables and Graphs Charts Pie Charts Organization Charts Flowcharts Tree Charts Gantt and PERT Charts Pictograms Guidelines for Creating Charts Graphic Illustrations Diagrams Maps Guidelines for Creating Graphic Illustrations Photographs Guidelines for Using Photographs Videos Guidelines for Using Videos Software and Downloadable Images Using the Software Using Symbols and Icons Using Web Sites for Graphics Support Using Color Guidelines for Incorporating Color Ethical Considerations Present the Real Picture Present the Complete Picture Don’t Mistake Distortion for Emphasis Guidelines for Obtaining and Citing Visual Material Cultural Considerations Guidelines for Fitting Visuals with Text Checklist Visuals Projects   13. DESIGNINGN PAGES AND DOCUMENTS Page Design in Workplace Documents How Page Design Transforms a Document Design Skills Needed in Today’s Workplace Desktop Publishing Electronic Publishing Using Style Sheets and Company Style Guides Creating a Design that Works for Your Readers Shaping the Page Guidelines for Shaping the Page Styling the Words and Letters Guidelines for Styling the Words and Letters Adding Emphasis Guidelines for Adding Emphasis Using Headings for Access and Orientation Guidelines for Using Headings Audience Considerations in Page Design Designing Digital Documents Web Pages Online Help Adobe Acrobat and PDF Files CDs and Other Media Checklist Page Design Projects   Part 4 Specific Documents And Applications   14. MEMOS Considering Audience and Purpose Memo Parts and Format Memo Tone Common Types of Memos Transmittal Memo Summary or Follow-up Memo Routine Miscellaneous Memo Guidelines for Memos Checklist Memos Projects   15. EMAIL AND TEXT MESSAGING Email Parts and Format Considering Audience and Purpose Email Style, Tone, and Etiquette Interpersonal Issues and Email Using the Right Tool for the Situation Using Visuals with Email Ethical and Legal Issues When Using Email Copyright Issues Privacy Issues Global Considerations When Using Email Guidelines for Writing and Using Email Guidelines for Choosing Email Versus Paper, Telephone, or Fax Text Messaging Guidelines for Text Messaging Checklist Email and Text Messages Projects   16. WORKPLACE LETTERS Considering Audience and Purpose Letter Parts, Format, and Design Elements Standard Parts Optional Parts Formats and Design Features Letter Tone Establish and Maintain a “You” Perspective Be Polite and Tactful Use Plain English Decide on a Direct or Indirect Organizing Pattern Global and Ethical Considerations Guidelines for Letters in General Conveying Bad or Unwelcome News Guidelines for Conveying Bad News Common Types of Letters Inquiry Letters Guidelines for Inquiry Letters Claim Letters Guidelines for Claim Letters Sales Letters Guidelines for Sales Letters Adjustment Letters Guidelines for Adjustment Letters Checklist Letters Projects   17. RÉSUMÈS AND OTHER JOB-SEARCH MATERIALS Assessing Your Skills and Aptitudes Researching the Job Market Plan Your Strategy Focus Your Search Explore Online Resources Learn to Network Résumés Parts of a Résumé Résumés from a Template Organizing Your Résumé Guidelines for Hard-Copy Résumés Electronic Résumés Guidelines for Emailed and Scannable Résumés Guidelines for Online Résumés Application Letters Solicited Application Letters Unsolicited Application Letters Guidelines for Application Letters Consider This How Applicants Are Screened for Personal Qualities Dossiers, Portfolios, and Webfolios Dossiers Portfolios and Webfolios Guidelines for Dossiers, Portfolios, and Webfolios Interviews and Follow-Up Letters Interviews Follow-Up Letters Guidelines for Interviews and Follow-Up Letters Checklist Résumés Checklist Application Letters Checklist Supporting Materials Projects   18. TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS Considering Audience and Purpose Legal, Ethical, Societal, and Global Implications Types of Definition Parenthetical Definitions Sentence Definitions Expanded Definitions Methods for Expanding Definitions Etymology History Negation Operating Principle Analysis of Parts Visuals Comparison and Contrast Required Conditions Examples Situations Requiring Definitions An Expanded Definition for Semitechnical Readers An Expanded Definition for Nontechnical Readers Placing Definitions in a Document Guidelines for Definitions Checklist Definitions Projects   19. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND MARKETING MATERIALS Considering Audience and Purpose Types of Technical Descriptions Objectivity in Technical Descriptions Elements of a Usable Description Clear and Limiting Title Appropriate Level of Detail and Technicality Visuals Clearest Descriptive Sequence An Outline for Product Description A Situation Requiring Product Description A Mechanism Description for a Nontechnical Audience An Outline for Process Description A Situation Requiring Process Description A Process Description for a Nontechnical Audience Guidelines for Descriptions Specifications Types of Specifications Considering Audience and Purpose Guidelines for Specifications Technical Marketing Materials Guidelines for Technical Marketing Materials Checklist Technical Descriptions Checklist Specifications Checklist Technical Marketing Materials Projects   20. INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES Considering Audience and Purpose Formats for Instructional Documents Faulty Instructions and Legal Liability Elements of Effective Instructions Clear and Limiting Title Informed Content Visuals Appropriate Level of Detail and Technicality Guidelines for Providing Appropriate Detail Logically Ordered Steps Notes and Hazard Notices Readability Effective Design Guidelines for Designing Instructions An Outline for Instructions Introduction Body: Required Steps Conclusion A Situation Requiring Instructions A Complete Set of Instructions for a Nontechnical Audience Digital and Online Instructions Video Instructions Scripting Online Videos Procedures Evaluating the Usability of Instructions and Procedures Usability and the Goals of Your Readers Approaches for Evaluating a Document’s Usability Checklist Instructions and Procedures Projects   21. INFORMAL REPORTS Informational versus Analytical Reports Progress Reports Guidelines for Progress Reports Periodic Activity Reports Guidelines for Periodic Activity Reports Trip Reports Guidelines for Trip Reports Meeting Minutes Guidelines for Meeting Minutes Feasibility Reports Guidelines for Feasibility Reports Recommendation Reports Guidelines for Recommendation Reports Justification Reports Guidelines for Justification Reports Peer Review Reports Guidelines for Peer Review Reports Checklist Informal Reports Projects   22. FORMAL ANALYTICAL REPORTS Considering Audience and Purpose Typical Analytical Problems Causal Analysis: “Why Does X Happen?” Case The Reasoning Process in Causal Analysis Comparative Analysis: “Is X or Y Better for Our Needs?” Case The Reasoning Process in Comparative Analysis Feasibility Analysis: “Is This a Good Idea?” Case The Reasoning Process in Feasibility Analysis Combining Types of Analysis Elements of an Effective Analysis Clearly Identified Problem or Purpose Adequate But Not Excessive Data Accurate and Balanced Data Fully Interpreted Data Subordination of Personal Bias Appropriate Visuals Valid Conclusions and Recommendations Self-Assessment An Outline and Model for Analytical Reports Introduction Body Conclusion Front Matter and End Matter Supplements Front Matter Letter of Transmittal Text of the Report End Matter A Situation Requiring an Analytical Report A Formal Report Guidelines for Reasoning through an Analytical Problem Checklist Analytical Reports Projects   23. PROPOSALS   Considering Audience and Purpose The Proposal Process Case Submitting a Competitive Proposal Types of Proposals Planning Proposals Research Proposals Sales Proposals Elements of a Persuasive Proposal A Forecasting Title or Subject Line Background Information Statement of the Problem Description of Solution A Clear Focus on Benefits Honest and Supportable Claims Appropriate Detail Readability A Tone That Connects with Readers Visuals Accessible Page Design Supplements Tailored for a Diverse Audience Proper Citations of Sources and Contributors An Outline and Model for Proposals Introduction Body Conclusion Guidelines for Proposals A Situation Requiring a Formal Proposal A Formal Proposal Checklist Proposals Projects   24. ORAL PRESENTATIONS AND WEBINARS Advantages and Drawbacks of Oral Presentations Avoiding Presentation Pitfalls Planning Your Presentation Analyze Your Audience and Purpose Analyze Your Speaking Situation Select a Type of Presentation Select a Delivery Method Preparing Your Presentation Research Your Topic Aim for Simplicity and Conciseness Anticipate Audience Questions Outline Your Presentation Planning and Creating Your Visuals Decide Which Visuals to Use and Where to Use Them Create a Storyboard Decide Which Visuals You Can Realistically Create Prepare Your Visuals Guidelines for Readable and Understandable Visuals Choosing the Right Visual Medium Using Presentation Software Ethics and the Use of Presentation Software Case  PowerPoint and the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster Guidelines for Using Presentation Software Delivering Your Presentation Rehearse Your Delivery Check the Room and Setting Beforehand Cultivate the Human Landscape Keep Your Listeners Oriented Plan for How You Will Use Any Non-Computer Visual Aids Guidelines for Presenting Visuals Manage Your Presentation Style Manage Your Speaking Situation Guidelines for Managing Listener Questions Guidelines for Delivering Oral Presentations Consider This Cross-Cultural Audiences May Have Specific Expectations Webinars and Distance Presentations Webinars Slide Sharing and Other Tools Guidelines for Webinars and Distance Presentations Checklist Oral Presentations Projects   25. WEB PAGES Considering Audience and Purpose How People 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 Planning Web Sites Using Storyboarding Teamwork When Creating Web Sites Creating Web Pages Using Word Processing and Other Software Global Issues and Web Pages Guidelines for Addressing Global Audiences Ethical and Legal Considerations Ethical Considerations Legal Considerations Checklist Writing and Designing Web Pages Projects   26. SOCIAL MEDIA Considering Audience and Purpose    Audience As Contributor Using Social Media for Technical Communication    Blogs    Wikis Guidelines for Writing and Using Blogs and Wikis    Social Networking Sites    Job and Professional Networking Sites Guidelines for Writing and Using Social Networks    Customer Review Sites    Twitter Feeds   Ethical and Legal Considerations Checklist: Social Media Projects   PART 5 RESOURCES FOR TECHNICAL WRITERS 675 APPENDIX A: A QUICK GUIDE TO DOCUMENTATION Taking Notes Guidelines for Recording Research Findings Quoting the Work of Others Guidelines for Quoting the Work of Others Paraphrasing the Work of Others Guidelines for Paraphrasing What You Should Document How You Should Document MLA Documentation Style MLA Parenthetical References MLA Works Cited Entries MLA Sample Works Cited Pages APA Documentation Style APA Parenthetical References APA Reference List Entries APA Sample Reference List CSE and Other Numbered Documentation Styles CSE In-Text Citations CSE Reference List Entries APPENDIX B: A QUICK GUIDE TO GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS Grammar Sentence Fragments Run-On Sentences Comma Splices Faulty Agreement–Subject and Verb Faulty Agreement–Pronoun and Referent Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers Faulty Parallelism Faulty Coordination Faulty Subordination Faulty Pronoun Case Punctuation Period Question Mark Exclamation Point Semicolon Colon Comma Apostrophe Quotation Marks Ellipses Brackets Italics Parentheses Dashes Mechanics Abbreviation Hyphenation Capitalization Numbers and Numerals Spelling Usage Transitions Use Transitional Expressions Repeat Key Words and Phrases Use Forecasting Statements Lists Embedded Lists Vertical Lists   Works Cited Index