Technical Communication Prewriting

What is a primary goal when writing technical correspondence?

When considering your audience, which group should not be targeted for technical writing?

Which of the following best describes the concept of prewriting in technical communication?

Which purpose is NOT commonly associated with technical writing?

What is a benefit of analyzing your audience before writing?

What technique is emphasized in the prewriting stage as demonstrated by the journalist's questions?

Which audience analysis approach is applied when considering the purpose of showing the availability in the fixed rate market?

What is the primary communication channel being utilized by Greg McLendon in the rough draft?

What is one of the technical writing goals evident in the rough draft?

Which strategy could help in building rapport with the audience in the context of this memo?

Prewriting Overview

Prewriting is akin to mapping out your route before commencing a trip, allowing for clear goal setting.
Identify if correspondence is prompted by others or initiated for personal needs.

Determining Goals

Goals of writing can include:
- Persuading an audience to accept a point of view.
- Instructing an audience on actions to take.
- Informing an audience about facts, concerns, or questions.
- Building trust and rapport.

Audience Consideration

Recognize the target audience:
- High-tech readers who are familiar with complex subjects.
- Low-tech readers who may need simplified information.
- Lay readers who require basic understanding.
- Multiple audiences with varying levels of knowledge.

Prewriting Techniques

Employ various techniques for data gathering and organizing content:
- Answering journalist questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
- Mind mapping for visual representation of ideas.
- Brainstorming or listing for idea generation.
- Flowcharting to outline processes.
- Outlining to structure main points.
- Storyboarding for sequential ideas.
- Organizational charts for hierarchy.
- Researching through online and library resources.

Writing Process

The writing process typically involves three stages:
- Prewriting
- Writing a rough draft
- Rewriting or revising the draft for clarity and effectiveness.

Communication Channels

Choose appropriate communication channels for content delivery:
- E-mail, letters, memos, reports, brochures, blogs, PowerPoint, and instant messages.
The chosen channel impacts content shape and size as well as technical requirements for both writer and reader.

Explore the essentials of prewriting in technical communication. This quiz covers the importance of understanding your audience and determining your goals before drafting correspondence. Enhance your skills in crafting effective memos, letters, reports, and proposals.