Outlines an approach to developing cases for analytical report writing in business communication classes. Discusses objectives of the assignment, selection of a topic, writing of the case and assignment directions, and teaching techniques for the assignment. (JOW)

The most important skill for technical professionals is the ability to communicate technology and it is the skill in shortest supply in science and technology. While some colleges in New England offer bachelor's degrees and certificates in technical communication, none offer a doctoral degree; in general, students are not trained to speak or write…

Explains why technical communicators should help translators. Offers tips for creating "translation-friendly" documentation. Describes the research and design process used by the authors to create an online tutorial that provides technical communicators at a medical technology company the information they need to help them write and…

Describes how changes in technical-communication education between 1950 and 1998 have led to disciplinary maturity: the development of academic programs and a body of innovative research. Discusses how technical communication, as a thriving multidiscipline with many direct research and pedagogical connections to the work place, can uniquely…

Traces the term "logos" from the ninth to the fourth century B.C. to distinguish between its general meaning and its technical definition within classical rhetoric. Shows that Aristotle's "pistis" of "logos" refers, not to an appeal to logic, but to the argument or speech itself, which reinstates all three proofs of…

Considers how technical communication is included in accommodating the values and ethics of its many audiences. Presents an introduction and annotated bibliography of articles from technical writing and communication journals published over the past quarter century arranged in categories of professional, academic, and systematic approaches. (NH)

Discusses the plain language movement and its origins. Reviews past and current resources related to plain language writing. Examines criticism of the movement while examining past and current plain language literature, with particular attention to the information design field. (SR)

States that technical writers in the global pharmaceutical industry write for two audiences: regulatory agencies and healthcare practitioners. Contends that information products that address these audiences must balance the competing forces of business interests, market penetration, and the cultural variables of products so tied to people's…

Examines the concept of the efficiency with which text is entered into a word processor--from the perspective of effective use of keyboard shortcuts. Illustrates how the possibility for productiveness offered by shortcuts, available through the use of features such as Autotext, are often under-utilized by many word processor users, academics being…

Reports that technical communication is being integrated into the precollege curriculum at an accelerating pace, but that few curriculum materials have been developed for this level. Presents an annotated bibliography in a partial attempt to address this lack. Divides entries into 2 categories: precollege level material (30 citations) and…

Suggests that in a world of interlinked economies and communication networks, the translation of pragmatic documents is prevalent, important, and costly. Treats concepts and practices of pragmatic translation, summarizes interviews with translators and translation professors (conducted in Morocco), and makes recommendations regarding language…

States that supratextual design encompasses a document's global visual language and operates in three modes: textual, spatial, and graphic. Explains that the rhetoric of supratextual design includes structural functions that provide global organization, and cohesion and stylistic functions that affect credibility, tone, emphasis, interest, and…

States that recently a new operational perspective on language has emerged, and as a result, a specific, analogical solution within such an approach is being developed. Describes that position briefly and sketches how such a perspective can lead to a theoretical justification of selected elements of established technical writing practice. (PA)

Finds debate and confusion about the use of passive voice in texts in general, and in computer manuals in particular. Aims to provide clarity by presenting the "alternation principle" for the use of the passive voice in computer manuals, in which active voice is used for user actions and passive voice for automatic computer actions. (PA)

Surveys three areas relating to job satisfaction--traditional aspects, gender differences, and job stress that might be unique to the technical writing profession. Indicates that technical communicators are satisfied with their compensation and opportunities for promotion but dissatisfied with the work itself, their supervision, and their…