Subject-Verb Agreement Rules PDF

REVIEW ON THE STRUCTURE OF ENGLISH noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of the sentence. SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT RULES...

REVIEW ON THE STRUCTURE OF ENGLISH noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of the sentence. SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT RULES Example: The student, as well as the committee 1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too. members, is excited. Example: She writes every day. Example: The student with all the master’s degrees is very Exception: When using the singular "they," use plural verb forms. motivated. Example: The participant expressed satisfaction with their job. They are currently in a managerial role at the organization. Example: Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom participation include using small groups and clarifying 2. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. expectations. Example: They write every day. Example: The focus of the interviews was nine purposively Sometimes, however, it seems a bit more complicated than this. selected participants. 3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or 6. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural connected by "or" or "nor," use a singular verb. verb. Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal Example: The doctoral student and the committee before proceeding. members write every day. 7. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a Example: The percentage of employees who called in plural noun or pronoun joined by "or" or "nor," the verb sick and the number of employees who left their jobs within 2 should agree with the part of the subject that is closest to years are reflective of the level of job satisfaction. the verb. This is also called the rule of proximity. 4. When there is one subject and more than one verb, the Example: The student or the committee members write every verbs throughout the sentence must agree with the subject. day. Example: Interviews are one way to collect data Example: The committee members or the student writes every and allow researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of day. participants. 8. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "either," Example: An assumption is something that is generally accepted "neither," "everyone," "everybody," "anyone," "anybody," as true and is an important consideration when conducting a "nobody," "somebody," "someone," and "no one" are doctoral study. singular and require a singular verb. 5. When a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, Example: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded. remember that the verb still agrees with the subject, not the Example: Neither alternative hypothesis was accepted. Example: I will offer a $5 gift card Example: The committee agrees on the quality of the writing. to everybody who participates in the study. However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on the individuals in Example: No one was available to meet with me at the preferred the group. This is much less common. times. Example: The committee participate in various volunteer 9. Noncount nouns take a singular verb. activities in their private lives. Example: Education is the key to success. Example: Diabetes affects many people around the world. DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES OF BASIC SENTENCE ELEMENTS Example: The information obtained from the business Independent clause: An independent clause can stand alone as owners was relevant to include in the study. a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and is a complete idea. Example: The research I found on the topic was limited. o I like spaghetti. 10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds, surroundings, proceeds, contents, and valuables only o He reads many books. have a plural form and take a plural verb. Dependent clause: A dependent clause is not a complete Example: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations. sentence. It must be attached to an independent clause to become complete. This is also known as a subordinate clause. Example: The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population in the city. o Although I like spaghetti,… Example: Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter o Because he reads many books,… supply chains. Subject: A person, animal, place, thing, or concept that does an 11. In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the action. Determine the subject in a sentence by asking the question subject follows the verb. Since "there" is not the subject, “Who or what?” the verb agrees with what follows the verb. o I like spaghetti. Example: There is little administrative support. o He reads many books. Example: There are many factors affecting teacher retention. Verb: Expresses what the person, animal, place, thing, or concept 12. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one does. Determine the verb in a sentence by asking the question person but are considered singular and take a singular verb. “What was the action or what happened?” Some examples are "group," "team," "committee," "family," o I like spaghetti. and "class." o He reads many books. Example: The group meets every week.  o The movie is good. (The be verb is also sometimes referred A sentence follows Subject + Verb + Object word order. to as a copula or a linking verb. It links the subject, in this o He (subject) obtained (verb) his degree (object). case "the movie," to the complement or the predicate of the sentence, in this case, "good.") A sentence must have a complete idea that stands alone. This is also called an independent clause. Object: A person, animal, place, thing, or concept that receives the action. Determine the object in a sentence by asking the o He obtained his degree. question “The subject did what?” or “To whom?/For whom?” Simple Sentences o I like spaghetti. A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, and it may also o He reads many books. have an object and modifiers. However, it contains only one independent clause. Prepositional Phrase: A phrase that begins with a preposition (i.e., in, at for, behind, until, after, of, during) and modifies a word in Key: Yellow, bold = subject; green underline = verb, blue, italics = the sentence. A prepositional phrase answers one of many object, pink, regular font =prepositional phrase questions. Here are a few examples: “Where? When? In what way?” Here are a few examples: o I like spaghetti for dinner. She wrote. o He reads many books in the library. She completed her literature review. English Sentence Structure He organized his sources by theme. The following statements are true about sentences in English: They studied APA rules for many hours. A new sentence begins with a capital letter. Compound Sentences o He obtained his degree. A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses. These two independent clauses can be combined with A sentence ends with punctuation (a period, a question a comma and a coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon. mark, or an exclamation point). Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma or semicolon o He obtained his degree. = pink, regular font; coordinating conjunction = green, underlined A sentence contains a subject that is only given once. Here are a few examples: o Smith he obtained his degree. She completed her literature review, and she created her reference list. A sentence contains a verb or a verb phrase. He organized his sources by theme; then, he updated his o He obtained his degree. reference list.  They studied APA rules for many hours, but they realized Using some complex sentences in writing allows for there was still much to learn. more sentence variety. Using some compound sentences in writing allows for Compound-Complex Sentences more sentence variety. Sentence types can also be combined. A compound-complex Complex Sentences sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Dependent clauses can refer to the Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma or semicolon subject (who, which) the sequence/time (since, while), or the = pink, regular font; coordinating conjunction = green, underlined; causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause. dependent clause = blue, italics If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, note the comma She completed her literature review, but she still needs after this clause. If, on the other hand, the sentence begins with an to work on her methods section even though she finished independent clause, there is not a comma separating the two her methods course last semester. clauses. Although he organized his sources by theme, he decided to Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma = pink, regular arrange them chronologically, and he carefully followed font; dependent clause = blue, italics the MEAL plan for organization. Here are a few examples: They studied APA rules for many hours, and they decided that writing in APA made sense because it was clear, Although she completed her literature review, she still concise, and objective. needed to work on her methods section. Using some complex-compound sentences in writing o Note the comma in this sentence because it begins allows for more sentence variety. with a dependent clause. Pay close attention to comma usage in complex-compound Because he organized his sources by theme, it was easier sentences so that the reader is easily able to follow the for his readers to follow. intended meaning. o Note the comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent clause. RUN-ON SENTENCES They studied APA rules for many hours as they were so interesting. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected o Note that there is no comma in this sentence improperly. because it begins with an independent clause. Example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time. There are two complete sentences in the above example: Revision: The results of the study were inconclusive; therefore, more research needs to be done on the Sentence 1: I love to write papers. topic. Sentence 2: I would write one every day if I had the time. You can correct a run-on sentence by connecting or separating its parts correctly. There are several easy ways to connect independent clauses. One common type of run-on sentence is a comma splice. A Correcting Run-On Sentences comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma. A run-on sentence can be fixed by connecting its parts correctly. There are several ways to connect independent clauses. Example of a comma splice: Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference. 1. Use a period. The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller sentences using a period. This Sentence 1: Participants could leave the study at any time. revision works especially well with longer sentences. Check, however, to make sure that this solution does not Sentence 2: They needed to indicate their preference. result in short, choppy sentences. Revision example: I love to write papers. I would write one every Some comma splices occur when a writer attempts to use a day if I had the time. transitional expression in the middle of a sentence. 2. Use a semicolon. Inserting a semicolon between Example of a comma splice: The results of the study were independent clauses creates a grammatically correct inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the sentence. Using a semicolon is a stylistic choice that topic. establishes a close relationship between the two sentences. Sentence 1: The results of the study were inconclusive Revision example: I love to write papers; I would write one every Transitional expression (conjunctive adverb): therefore day if I had the time. 3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A comma, Sentence 2: More research needs to be done on the topic paired with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., "and," "but," or To fix this type of comma splice, use a semicolon before the "or"), corrects a run-on sentence. This method emphasizes transitional expression and add a comma after it. See more the relationship between the two clauses. examples of this on the semicolon page. Revision example: I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had the time.  4. Use a subordinating conjunction. Turn one of the Notice here that although the sentence is quite long, it still independent clauses into a dependent clause. A contains no action (What are the doctors doing?). Once identified, subordinating conjunction (e.g., "because," "unless," and the sentence can be corrected easily. "although") connects two clauses to create a complex Revision: The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research sentence. This option works to cement the relationship articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their between the two parts of the sentence and may improve field, improved their knowledge of obstetrics. the flow of the clauses. Example: Because I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time. PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION BASICS However you decide to revise for run-on sentences, remember Parallel ideas must be presented in parallel grammatical form, that maintaining sentence variety helps to keep the writing clear which means that each part of a sentence uses the same and interesting for your readers. grammatical structure. Sentence Fragments Examples of Parallel Construction A sentence fragment is a string of words that does not form a "Between" and "And" complete sentence; there is a necessary component of a complete sentence missing. This missing component may be a Incorrect: We debated the difference between the weather in subject (usually a noun) or a predicate (verb or verb phrase) and/or Minnesota in the winter and how hot it is in the summer. when the sentence does not express a complete idea. Correct: We debated the difference between the weather in Here is an example of a fragment with a missing subject. Minnesota in the winter and the weather in Minnesota in the summer. Example of a fragment: Shows no improvement in any of the vital signs. "Both" and "And" The sentence above is a fragment since there is no subject Incorrect: The films were enjoyable both to watch and for (Who shows no improvement?). Fragments can be corrected by discussing. identifying the missing element and including it. Correct: The films were enjoyable both to watch and to discuss. Revision: The patient shows no improvement in any of the vital signs. "Neither" and "Nor"; "Either" and "Or" Here is an example of a fragment with a missing predicate, or Incorrect: Neither the responses to the questionnaire nor what action: we asked on the survey were answered. Example of a fragment: The doctors, who were using peer- Correct: Neither the responses to the questionnaire nor the reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of responses to the survey were answered. knowledge in their fields, which was obstetrics. "Not Only" and "But Also" PARAGRAPHS & TOPIC SENTENCES Incorrect: It was surprising not only that the house sold, but A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and also it sold well over the asking price. coherent, and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be Correct: It was surprising not only that the house sold but also organized into paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a that it sold well over the asking price. reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its Parallel Construction in a List main points. Sentences with lists require particular attention to parallel Paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information. A construction. paragraph could contain a series of brief examples or a single long Example 1: illustration of a general point. It might describe a place, character, or process; narrate a series of events; compare or contrast two or Incorrect: This paper will address No Child Left Behind, how to more things; classify items into categories; or describe causes and teach effectively, and instructing with multimedia aids. effects. Regardless of the kind of information they contain, all paragraphs share certain characteristics. One of the most Correct: This paper will address No Child Left important of these is a topic sentence. Behind benchmarks, effective teaching strategies, and multimedia instructional aids. TOPIC SENTENCES Now, the list has parallel elements (benchmarks, strategies, A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single and aids are all plural nouns). controlling idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement; it unifies Example 2: the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how Incorrect: The students were unprepared, poorly behaved, and the paragraph will discuss it. Readers generally look to the first few disrupted the class. sentences in a paragraph to determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s why it’s often best to put the Correct: The students were underprepared, poorly behaved, topic sentence at the very beginning of the paragraph. In some and disruptive. cases, however, it’s more effective to place another sentence Now, the list has parallel elements ("underprepared," "behaved," before the topic sentence—for example, a sentence linking the and "disruptive" are all adjectives). current paragraph to the previous one, or one providing background information. Although most paragraphs should have a topic sentence, there are a few situations when a paragraph might not need a topic sentence. For example, you might be able to omit a topic sentence in a paragraph that narrates a series of events, if a paragraph continues developing an idea that you introduced (with a topic sentence) in the previous paragraph, or if all the sentences and details in a paragraph clearly refer—perhaps indirectly—to a main point. The vast majority of your paragraphs, however, should have a topic sentence. PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE Most paragraphs in an essay have a three-part structure— introduction, body, and conclusion. You can see this structure in paragraphs whether they are narrating, describing, comparing, contrasting, or analyzing information. Each part of the paragraph plays an important role in communicating your meaning to your reader. Introduction: the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic sentence and any other sentences at the COHERENCE beginning of the paragraph that give background In a coherent paragraph, each sentence relates clearly to the topic information or provide a transition. sentence or controlling idea, but there is more to coherence than Body: follows the introduction; discusses the controlling this. If a paragraph is coherent, each sentence flows smoothly into idea, using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and other the next without obvious shifts or jumps. A coherent paragraph information. also highlights the ties between old information and new Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the connections information to make the structure of ideas or arguments clear to between the information discussed in the body of the the reader. paragraph and the paragraph’s controlling idea. Along with the smooth flow of sentences, a paragraph’s coherence The following paragraph illustrates this pattern of organization. In may also be related to its length. If you have written a very long this paragraph the topic sentence and concluding sentence paragraph, one that fills a double-spaced typed page, for example, (CAPITALIZED) both help the reader keep the paragraph’s main you should check it carefully to see if it should start a new point in mind. paragraph where the original paragraph wanders from its controlling idea. On the other hand, if a paragraph is very short (only one or two sentences, perhaps), you may need to develop its controlling idea more thoroughly or combine it with another paragraph. Several other techniques that you can use to establish coherence in paragraphs are described below. Repeat key words or phrases. Particularly in paragraphs in which you define or identify an important idea or theory, be consistent in how you refer to it. This consistency and repetition will bind the paragraph together and help your reader understand your definition or description. Create parallel structures. Parallel structures are created by constructing two or more phrases or sentences that have the same grammatical structure and use the same parts of speech. By creating parallel structures, you make your sentences clearer and easier to read. In addition, repeating a pattern in a series of consecutive sentences helps your reader see the connections between ideas. In the paragraph above about scientists and the sense of sight, several sentences in the body of the paragraph SOME USEFUL TRANSITIONS have been constructed in a parallel way. The parallel structures (modified from Diana Hacker,A Writer’s Reference) (which have been emphasized) help the reader see that the paragraph is organized as a set of examples of a general To show addition: statement. again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), Be consistent in point of view, verb tense, and further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, number. Consistency in point of view, verb tense, and number is a too subtle but important aspect of coherence. If you shift from the To give examples: more personal "you" to the impersonal “one,” from past to present tense, or from “a man” to “they,” for example, you make your for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate paragraph less coherent. Such inconsistencies can also confuse your reader and make your argument more difficult to follow. To compare: Use transition words or phrases between sentences and between also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly paragraphs. Transitional expressions emphasize the relationships To contrast: between ideas, so they help readers follow your train of thought or see connections that they might otherwise miss or although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, misunderstand. The following paragraph shows how carefully however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on chosen transitions (CAPITALIZED) lead the reader smoothly from the other hand, still, though, yet the introduction to the conclusion of the paragraph. To summarize or conclude: all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, overall, that is, therefore, to sum up  To show time: after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while To show place or direction: above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.) To indicate logical relationship: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus A Brief Introduction to Technical Writing cooking a meal don’t want to follow a super long recipe! Technical writers try to convey information in a similar fashion. The writing Technical writing impacts every developer. They consume content style is meant to create a frictionless user experience that is written by technical writers in the form of documentation, and they almost imperceptible to the reader. also produce technical content. Companies and open source projects alike understand that well-written documentation is key When technical writing is effective, a reader can do more quickly. to product adoption. In fact, 93% of respondents to a 2017 But when the writing is poor, the reader may have trouble moving GitHub survey said that “incomplete or outdated forward which can lead to frustration. For example, a developer documentation is a pervasive problem” in open source. trying to troubleshoot a problem at work decides to look at the official documentation for a specific package manager. They are in a time crunch and they need to be able to skim the document What is technical writing? quickly to find a solution. They’re scanning the page for specific Technical writing is the practice of creating primarily text-based words, phrases, or code snippets that will point them in the right instructional or informational documents for users. In software direction. Good technical writing keeps this in mind. development, common genres of technical writing include If the troubleshooting steps are vague, incomplete, or full of product and API documentation, manpages, tutorials, and guides. superfluous language, it will take the developer much longer to But technical writing isn’t limited to software or even the developer accomplish the task. In this scenario, the developer isn’t visiting tools space; technical writing also includes user manuals for the docs to admire the writing capabilities of the person who wrote everything from consumer products to manufacturing, aerospace the doc; they’re visiting the docs to help them do something. engineering, and medical technology. And in certain contexts, documents like data visualizations, whitepapers, knowledge Let’s consider an example outside of software. A co-pilot has to bases/online help articles are also forms of technical writing. refer to a manual in-flight. They need to be able to quickly locate a (Technical writing is a specialty of a much wider field of practice section in the manual that can help them interpret one of the flight known as technical communication.) instruments. In this situation, the user (an airplane pilot) cannot afford to spend time pondering what the instructions mean, How technical writing differs from other forms of writing especially if they’re faced with an emergency. They don’t want Unlike other forms of writing—for example, marketing or ad jokes or flair, and they don’t want a back story. They want to find copywriting—technical writing aims for precision and utility. Think, the solution to their problem and they don’t want to use more for example, of a recipe you get in a meal-delivery kit. The recipe mental energy than they need to. lists the exact ingredients you need and the precise This is why some technical documents seem “dry” or “lacking in measurements for each ingredient. The writing is both precise and flair” compared to the writing we see in email newsletters, blog concise; recipe writers know that people who are in the middle of posts, or landing pages. While copywriting is used to persuade a user to take a certain action, technical writing exists to support the Types of Technical Writing user and remove barriers to getting something done. Good In general, there are five different types of writing which cover a full technical writing is hard because writers must get straight to the degree for various domains. point without losing or confusing readers. It requires a familiarity 1. Commercial Writing: Focuses on a particular type of writing with the subject matter, the ability to listen and observe, and a to sell things to people. deep understanding of the reader. 2. Creative Writing: Focuses on a specific kind of writing for Technical writers can do more than write moving people emotionally. 3. Business Writing: Focuses on a particular type of writing to In addition to tone, technical writers pay a lot of attention to administer people efficiently. document design. We don’t read online content the same way we 4. Technical Writing: Focuses on a specific kind of writing in read content in print, so document design is also dependent on explaining how things work and how people can carry out document format. Elements of document design include layout, particular tasks. page formatting, typography, color, and other visual aids. 5. Scientific Writing: Focuses on a particular type of writing for Technical writers structure their documents to facilitate reading recording and sharing scientific findings within academia. comprehension. They understand that many readers skim and Technical Writing vs. Essay Writing scan documents in search of the information they need, and writers look for ways to surface relevant and important information Technical writing and essay writing are two interesting styles of to readers. And they also recognize that users need to take steps in writing that have their unique characteristics and purposes for a a certain order to achieve the desired result. diverse audience. So, whether you're a student working on an Technical writing isn’t limited to the act of writing a draft. Technical academic paper or a professional looking to communicate writers must be familiar with research methods, usability, visual complex ideas, read on to discover the right way! design, and instructional design, among other things. They must know their users and the scenarios that drive users to interact with Technical writing focuses on providing clear and straightforward documentation. They have to be able to search for the right informative content to help readers understand complicated information and know how to ask questions of subject matter concepts. At the same time, essay writing aims to convince and experts. They understand how text and visual design work together engage readers with well-developed arguments and analysis. to create a cohesive user experience. And they review and revise Understanding the difference between the two styles can help you their work as needed, acknowledging the importance of editing in figure out which approach is right for you. the writing process. For example, if you were writing a technical manual on how to assemble a computer, you would use technical writing to provide step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams and explanations. expressing emotions and opinions freely. An essay weaves On the other hand, if you were writing an essay on the benefits of a narrative, allowing the writer's voice to shine through. renewable energy, you would use essay writing to present Use of Jargon compelling arguments supported by evidence and expert Technical Writing: It often includes industry-specific terms opinions. and jargon. The goal is to communicate efficiently within a particular field, assuming a level of knowledge among the Technical writing is highly objective and focuses on practicality readers. and efficiency, aiming to convey information in a concise and Essay Composition: Essays generally avoid excessive precise manner. It is often used in fields such as engineering, jargon, opting for easy and accessible language. The technology, and science. Essay writing is more subjective and emphasis is on connecting with a broader audience, allows for the expression of personal opinions and interpretations. making the content relatable and engaging. It is commonly employed in academic settings and aims to Structural Framework persuade and engage readers through effective rhetoric and Technical Writing: Technical documents follow a logical reasoning. structured and logical format, just like maps. Whether it's a manual or a report, the information is organized Understanding the appropriate style for your purpose can greatly systematically, allowing readers to navigate with ease. enhance the effectiveness of your writing and ensure that your Essay Composition: Essays have a more flexible structure. intended message reaches and resonates with your target While they may have an introduction, body, and audience. conclusion, the content flows naturally, allowing for creativity and exploration of ideas. Major Variations of Writing in Both Styles Audience Considerations Technical Writing: Technical writing is tailored to a specific Four major variations of writing can be found in both technical and audience with a particular knowledge base. It assumes the essay writing styles. readers have a certain level of expertise in the subject Formality and Tone matter. Technical Writing: The language in this style is Essay Composition: Essays adapt to various readerships, straightforward and specific. It resembles a set of considering a broader spectrum of backgrounds and instructions for assembling structured content, avoiding interests. The goal is to engage and resonate with a diverse unnecessary details, and focusing on clarity. group of readers. Essay Composition: Now consider it as a letter to a friend. It's informal, like a casual chat. The tone can be personal, Beyond Common Writing Distinctions experiment with different formats to suit the content and Technical writing and essay writing both require solid skills in convey ideas effectively. writing along with the ability to communicate information Language Complexity effectively. Let us understand some unexplored distinctions that Technical writing prioritizes clarity over literary flair. The can help writers tailor their approach and achieve their intended language used is straightforward, avoiding unnecessary goals. complexity. The focus is on delivering information Intent of Communication comprehensively to a specific audience. Technical writing mainly serves a practical purpose. It Essay writing celebrates the beauty of language. Essays aims to express information, focusing on delivering often employ a more varied and expressive vocabulary, instructions or presenting facts. The focus here is on allowing writers to craft sentences that convey not only providing guidance or documentation for a specific task or information but also evoke a particular atmosphere or process. emotion. Essay writing takes a more exploratory route. Essays are a Objective & Subjective Evaluation platform for expressing ideas, opinions, and emotions. They Technical writing is subject to objective evaluation. invite readers to delve into the writer's thoughts, often Technical documents are assessed based on accuracy, without a predetermined practical outcome. clarity, and adherence to predefined standards. Success is Emotional Engagement measured by how effectively it fulfills its intended purpose. Technical writing is more objective and factual. The major Essay writing involves subjective evaluation. The goal is the transmission of information with minimal assessment of an essay includes factors such as creativity, emotional engagement or personal biases. originality, and the ability to engage the reader emotionally. Essay writing encourages emotional connection. Essays Success is often measured by the impact on the reader's often involve personal reflections, storytelling, or perspective. persuasive elements that light up emotions and relate with the reader on a more personal level. Different Qualities That Are Associated with Technical Writing Flexibility in Structure Communication through documentation needs to have some Technical writing follows a structured and standardized qualities to make technical communication more effective and format. Whether it's a manual or a report, our technical precise. These qualities are: writing services follow a predetermined framework to Writing articles and documents using professional tools ensure clarity and consistency. such as using MS Word, Adobe Frame Maker, Adobe Page Essay writing embraces a more flexible structure. It allows Maker, Leap Office, etc. for creativity in the organization, enabling writers to  Technical writing needs knowledge of using technology like help ensure that information is effectively communicated to the web pages and websites, SEO, social media sites, and reader. promotions. What are the 7 types of technical writing? Explaining or expressing any technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, bio-mechanical The seven types of technical writing include user manuals, domains, medical compounds, procedures, or standard operating procedures, technical reports, white papers, environmental regulations and contents related to proposals, online help documentation, and scientific articles. specialized fields, need to be written precisely that can be understood by users or target audience. Understand the target audience so that your document or What is the Communication Continuum? technical content may connect them quickly, and they can You maybe wondering what exactly is Communication Continuum, proceed with the understanding and fulfill their well it refers to the range of methods and channels that individuals requirements. and groups use to exchange information, ideas, and messages. Provide any specific instructions or stepwise guidance about how to perform something or some process. It encompasses various forms of communication, from face-to-face conversations and written letters to phone Growth of Technical Writing calls, emails, instant messaging, and social media Technical Writing has nowadays become one of the prominent and platforms. well-known departments in almost every industry and corporation. At one end of the continuum, we have synchronous If you are looking to work as a technical writer, you have to be very communication, which involves real-time interaction much good in that particular language and its vocabulary as well between participants. as you have to have sound knowledge on handling and working This includes in-person conversations, phone calls, video with technical tools and concepts like search engine optimized conferences, and live chats. articles and contents. Technical writing has elevated to a very Synchronous communication allows for immediate coveted skill in the professional area because of the demand, feedback and often enables a deeper level of engagement. which is hiking 10% from the year 2014 to 2024. On the other end of the continuum, we find asynchronous communication, which does not require immediate or What are the 5 components of technical writing? simultaneous interaction. Examples of asynchronous communication include emails, The five components of technical writing are purpose, target text messages, voicemails, and social media posts. audience, content, organization, and style. These components  These forms of communication allow individuals to send Likewise, individuals can feign ignorance or claim their actions and receive messages at their convenience, without the were unintentional when confronted with the impact of their body need for both parties to be present at the same time. language. The Communication Continuum acknowledges that different Verbal communication requires more direct interaction, as communication methods have distinct advantages and individuals engage in direct conversations with one or more limitations. people. Some situations may call for face-to-face interaction to build While verbal communication demands more effort, it offers rapport and convey complex emotions effectively, while others greater clarity. When combined with body language, verbal may require the efficiency and convenience of written messages. communication becomes a highly effective means of expressing ideas and intentions. Communication Continuum helps individuals and organizations make informed choices about the most appropriate Physical communication involves direct physical contact with communication channels to use based on the context, purpose, another person and usually occurs on a one-on-one basis. and desired outcomes of their interactions. Interpersonal Extreme cases of physical communication include acts of communication continuum and communication lets dig a bit violence. Unlike visual and verbal communication or identity deeper and understand a bit more about this topic. communication continuum, physical communication is nearly impossible to ignore. Interpersonal communication can be categorized into three methods: visual, verbal, and physical. Consider a woman navigating a city known for street harassment. Initially, she may rely on body language to communicate her These methods differ in their level of intensity, with visual being unwillingness to interact with strangers. Most men will recognize the most indirect and physical being the most direct form of her cues and leave her alone. communication. However, street harassers, by their nature, ignore acceptable Visual communication can be compared to body language, which social communication norms and choose to disregard her indirect effectively conveys messages to a large number of people with visual communication. Instead, they interrupt with direct verbal minimal effort. communication. For instance, in crowded city spaces, body language is commonly In this scenario, the woman's indirect method of communication used by urban dwellers to navigate through the crowds. However, fails, requiring her to escalate to verbal communication in order to visual communication is also the most ambiguous method, as it convey her original message. The easiest transition is to verbally can be easily ignored or misinterpreted. state the same message her body language has been expressing: "Not interested!" This concise statement signifies her lack of interest in engaging their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, fostering understanding and with the harasser in any way. connection between family members, friends, and partners Emotionally, it is easier to make the escalating transition to a 2.Business Communication verbal "Not interested!" rather than delivering a more Effective communication is crucial in the business world. It confrontational statement like "Stop harassing me!" The latter facilitates the exchange of information, ideas, and feedback implies a change in the message, communicating, "You are among employees, teams, departments, and management. Clear bothering me, and I want you to stop bothering me!" To effectively and concise communication helps in decision-making, problem- deliver this message, the woman would have to stop and directly solving, and building strong professional relationships. face her harasser, which would require an emotional willingness to engage with the harasser, which she likely does not desire. 3.Education Communication Only when the harasser's behavior has angered her would she Communication is fundamental in the field of education. Teachers want to directly interact with him. In all other situations, the use communication to impart knowledge, explain concepts, and harasser's repulsive behavior would make her even less interested engage with students. Students, in turn, communicate with their in engaging. Hence, the natural escalation of the message is the teachers to seek clarification, ask questions, and participate in verbal statement "Not interested!" The next step would be to use discussions. Effective communication enhances the learning physical communication, such as pushing the harasser away if he experience for both educators and learners. invades her personal space. 4.Media and Journalism Therefore, the "Not interested!" communication continuum Communication is at the core of media and journalism. Journalists consists of body language, verbal statements, and, if necessary, use various channels, such as print, television, radio, and digital physical push-away. These escalating responses are designed to platforms, to convey news and information to the public. Effective de-escalate harassment as it occurs. communication skills enable journalists to gather accurate Applications of Communication information, conduct interviews, and present stories in a compelling and informative manner. Communication plays a vital role in various aspects of our personal and professional lives. Here are some applications of 5.Public Speaking communication: Public speaking is a specific form of communication that involves 1.Personal Communication addressing a large audience. It is essential in areas such as politics, business presentations, conferences, and seminars. Communication is essential for establishing and Public speakers use effective communication techniques to maintaining personal relationships. It allows individuals to express engage, persuade, and inspire their audience. 6.Diplomacy and International Relations channels of communication, as well as the contexts in which they occur. Communication plays a crucial role in diplomacy and international relations. It allows diplomats and representatives 1.Face-to-Face Conversation from different countries to exchange ideas, negotiate agreements, Two colleagues sitting in a meeting room discussing a project resolve conflicts, and maintain diplomatic relationships. Effective face-to-face. They exchange ideas, ask questions, and provide communication is essential in promoting understanding and immediate feedback, utilizing both verbal and non-verbal cues cooperation among nations. such as facial expressions and body language. 7.Healthcare 2.Telephone Conversation Effective communication is vital in the healthcare sector. Doctors, Two colleagues sitting in a meeting room discussing a project nurses, and other healthcare professionals need to communicate face-to-face. They exchange ideas, ask questions, and provide clearly with patients to understand their symptoms, provide immediate feedback, utilizing both verbal and non-verbal cues appropriate care, and explain treatment plans. Good such as facial expressions and body language. communication skills also help healthcare providers work effectively as a team and ensure accurate transfer of information. 3.Video Conference 8.Social Media and Online Communication A sales representative contacts a potential client over the phone to discuss a product or service. They engage in a In the digital age, communication has expanded to include social conversation, conveying information, addressing concerns, and media platforms, online forums, and messaging apps. These negotiating terms, relying solely on vocal communication without platforms allow individuals to connect, share information, and visual cues. express their opinions on a global scale. Online communication has transformed the way we interact, collaborate, and access 4.Email Correspondence information. A manager sends an email to their team outlining the objectives These are just a few examples of the wide-ranging applications of and deliverables for an upcoming project. The team members communication. Effective communication skills are essential in respond with their thoughts, questions, and progress updates, almost every aspect of life, enabling us to connect, collaborate, communicating asynchronously through written messages. and thrive in various personal, professional, and social contexts. 5.Social Media Interaction Communication Continuum Examples A company uses social media platforms to engage with its These examples demonstrate different points along the customers. Customers leave comments, ask questions, and communication continuum, showcasing various forms and provide feedback on the company's posts. The company responds promptly, addressing concerns and building a dialogue with its At one end of the continuum, we find formal technical writing, audience. which includes detailed reports, user manuals, and scientific research papers. These documents follow a specific structure, use 6.Non-Verbal Communication technical terminology, and provide in-depth explanations of Two friends, who are sitting in a library studying, communicate complex concepts. non-verbally by using gestures, facial expressions, and eye The language is precise and concise, focusing on accuracy and contact. They convey their thoughts and emotions without clarity. The writing style is typically impersonal and objective, speaking, maintaining a silent but understanding connection. avoiding personal opinions or emotions. This formal approach is 7.Written Report often employed when communicating with expert audiences who require precise technical information. A researcher prepares a comprehensive written report summarizing their findings and recommendations. The report is Moving along the continuum, we encounter more user-focused shared with stakeholders who need to review the information and communication. This includes instructional guides, online make decisions based on the communicated content. tutorials, and FAQs. Here, the language becomes more user- friendly and accessible, employing simpler vocabulary and 8.Public Speech providing step-by-step instructions. A politician delivers a speech to a large audience at a campaign Technical writers anticipate user needs and address common rally. They use persuasive language, gestures, and vocal questions or issues to facilitate understanding and successful use techniques to connect with the crowd, convey their message, and of a product or service. Visual aids, such as diagrams or inspire action. screenshots, may be included to enhance comprehension. Communication Continuum In Technical Writing As we progress further, we encounter interactive communication Communication continuum in technical writing refers to the range methods, such as online forums, chatbots, or interactive help of communication methods and channels used to convey systems. These tools allow users to engage in real-time technical information to a diverse audience. It encompasses a conversations and receive immediate assistance. spectrum of communication modes, ranging from highly formal Technical writers may provide on-demand support by addressing and structured to more informal and interactive approaches. specific questions, troubleshooting problems, or guiding users Technical writers employ different strategies along this continuum through complex tasks. This form of communication fosters active to effectively communicate complex information to readers with engagement and empowers users to find solutions independently. varying levels of expertise and knowledge. Additionally, the communication continuum in technical writing extends to multimedia formats. Technical writers incorporate videos, animations, and infographics to present information in a Create a culture that values open and transparent visually appealing and engaging manner. communication. Encourage employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal. Foster an These mediums can simplify complex concepts, enhance user environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their comprehension, and cater to different learning styles. opinions and actively listening to others. In all stages of the communication continuum in technical writing, 2.Embrace Technology the intended audience remains a central consideration. Technical writers analyze their readers' needs, preferences, and knowledge Leverage technology tools and platforms that facilitate levels to determine the most appropriate communication communication continuum. Utilize project management software, approach. instant messaging platforms, video conferencing tools, and collaborative platforms to enable seamless communication and They adapt their writing style, vocabulary, and use of visual aids knowledge sharing among teams, especially if they are accordingly to ensure the information is effectively conveyed and geographically dispersed or working remotely. understood. 3.Promote Active Listening The communication continuum in technical writing emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of communication methods. Encourage active listening among employees by providing training and resources on effective listening techniques. Emphasize the Technical writers employ a range of strategies to bridge the gap importance of understanding others' perspectives, asking between technical information and the intended audience, clarifying questions, and acknowledging their input. Actively ensuring that complex concepts are effectively communicated in listening fosters better understanding and promotes a more a manner that promotes comprehension and usability. inclusive communication culture. By leveraging different communication modes and channels, 4.Establish Clear Communication Channels technical writers can cater to a diverse range of readers and facilitate the successful transfer of technical knowledge. Define and establish clear channels for communication within the organization. This includes formal channels such as team Encouraging a communication continuum in the workplace meetings, email updates, and project management systems, as Encouraging a communication continuum in the workplace is well as informal channels like social gatherings or virtual coffee crucial for fostering collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. Here breaks. Ensure that employees are aware of these channels and are some ways to promote and enhance communication know when and how to use them appropriately. continuum in the workplace in 2023. 5.Encourage Regular Feedback 1.Cultivate a Communication-Friendly Environment Foster a feedback-oriented culture where employees provide Leveraging Traditional Communication Channels constructive feedback to one another. Encourage the use of While digital communication platforms have become increasingly feedback mechanisms such as peer reviews, 360-degree prevalent, traditional communication channels still hold feedback, or suggestion boxes. Regular feedback promotes significant value. Face-to-face interactions, for instance, enable continuous improvement and helps address any communication you to establish trust, convey emotions, and build meaningful gaps or challenges. connections. Phone calls allow for immediate feedback and 6.Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration personal touch. Promote collaboration across different departments and teams. Understanding when and how to utilize these traditional channels Encourage employees to work together on cross-functional within the Communication Continuum can set you apart in a world projects or participate in interdepartmental meetings. This dominated by digital communication. encourages diverse perspectives and knowledge sharing, Harnessing the Power of Digital Communication enhancing the overall communication continuum within the organization. In the digital age, digital communication platforms play a pivotal role in our daily lives. Emails provide a formal and professional 7.Provide Communication Training means of communication, enabling effective correspondence Offer training programs or workshops focused on effective across distances and time zones. communication skills. These sessions can cover topics such as Social media platforms allow for real-time engagement and active listening, conflict resolution, giving and receiving feedback, interaction with a broad audience, facilitating brand awareness and non-verbal communication. By investing in communication and customer engagement. training, employees can enhance their communication skills and contribute to a more effective and cohesive work environment. Video conferencing bridges the gap between physical and virtual presence, making remote collaboration seamless. 8.Lead by Example By embracing these digital channels, individuals and businesses Leaders and managers should exemplify effective communication can expand their reach and connect with people globally. practices. They should demonstrate active listening, encourage open dialogue, and provide regular updates and feedback. When Sources: https://www.collabera.com/find-a-job/career-resources/what-are-the- leaders prioritize communication, it sets a positive tone and different-types-of-technical-writing/ encourages employees at all levels to follow suit. https://instr.iastate.libguides.com/c.php?g=284553&p=1948068 https://techwhirl.com/what-is-technical-communications/ https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/what-is-technical- writing/ Properties of Technical Writing (ABC's of TW) Accuracy - use of precise words for a balanced report Brevity - straight to the point; no redundancies and flowery expressions Coherence - logical arrangement of sentences, smooth transition of words and phrases Confidence - being an authority on the topic, establishing credibility Dignity - using formal language, showing authority as a writer Emphasis - highlighting important ideas through effective repetition and other devices Facility - ease in writing in order for the reader to understand the report through proper pacing as in arranging data from the least important to the most important,or vice-versa, from simple to complex,etc. Grammatical correctness which shows the writer's credibility so as not to disappoint readers who may kmow the basic rules of grammar Honesty - acknowledging the works of others used by the writer as a sign of intellectual honesty Illustrative materials or graphic aids like figures, tables, charts, diagrams, pictures, drawings , and other graphic aids Judgment - considering the quality, not the quantity, of data; collecting concise, accurate, and sufficient data Knowledge- in analyzing and interpreting data Logic - systematic way of organizing the parts of a report so that sentences and concepts are in agreement; orderly presentation of data Mechanical neatness through the use of gropers margins, having neatly encoded words Normal procedure - consistency in the style or format used so as not to confuse the reader Objectivity - sticking to the facts about the topic Qualification - validity of the report; relevance or significance of data presented  Revision - checking the report against grammatical errors, spelling of words, s, indentation, overlapping topics, redundancies Straight sentences - smooth flow of sentences to encourage the reader to finish e report without requiring too much effort Thoroughness - completeness as a result of good planning evance of sentences or ideas to the topic Viewpoint - perspective from which something is written as Paul Zall's advice:” It you start writing like a professional, finish writing as a professional." Word-choice - carefully chosen words to deliver relevant and useful information, avoiding informal and vulgar words and expressions, and figurative language You-point - writing for a target audience, considering the needs and interests of the reader Zest - writer's enthusiasm as reflected in the report as the writer successfully accomplishes his objectives as a result of his enjoyment for writing Five Trait Rubric for Technical Writing The Five Trait Rubric is a tool designed to evaluate technical writing based on five key traits: Clarity, Conciseness, Accessibility, Audience Recognition, and Accuracy. Each trait is scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with detailed descriptors to guide assessment. Here’s a comprehensive rubric: Scoring Guidelines  Total Score: Add the scores from each trait (5 to 25 points).  Performance Levels: o 21-25 points: Excellent technical writing o 16-20 points: Good technical writing o 11-15 points: Satisfactory technical writing o 6-10 points: Needs improvement o 1-5 points: Unsatisfactory technical writing Using the Rubric 1. Assessment: Use the rubric to evaluate technical documents, providing specific scores and feedback for each trait. 2. Feedback: Highlight areas of strength and those needing improvement, encouraging writers to revise their work based on the rubric. 3. Self-Assessment: Encourage writers to use the rubric for self-assessment before submitting their work, promoting self-reflection and improvement. PLAIN LANGUAGE 1. Improved Understanding: Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and ensures that readers grasp the essential A. What is Plain Language? information. Plain language is a communication approach that prioritizes clarity and 2. Increased Engagement: When readers find content accessible, they accessibility. It involves using straightforward words, phrases, and sentences are more likely to engage with it and take action. to ensure that the intended audience easily understands the information 3. Efficiency: Saves time for both writers and readers by minimizing presented. The goal is to convey messages in a way that requires minimal the need for clarification. effort from the reader, regardless of their background or expertise. 4. Accessibility: Makes information available to a broader audience, including those with limited literacy skills or non-native speakers. Key Characteristics: 5. Legal and Compliance: In some fields, using plain language can Simplicity: Uses common words and phrases. reduce the risk of misinterpretation and legal challenges. Clarity: Avoids jargon and complex language. Directness: Gets to the point quickly and avoids unnecessary D. How to Develop Documentation in Plain English information. 1. Know Your Audience: Understand who your readers are and what Audience Awareness: Tailors content to the needs and their needs are. Tailor your language and content to suit them. understanding of the target audience. 2. Use Clear Structure: o Headings and Subheadings: Break information into B. What is Not Plain Language? manageable sections. Plain language is often contrasted with jargon-heavy or overly complex o Bullet Points and Lists: Use lists to present information communication. Here are examples of what is not plain language: clearly. 1. Jargon: Specialized language that is specific to a field (e.g., legal, 3. Write in Active Voice: Use active voice instead of passive voice to medical, technical terms) that may alienate general readers. create more dynamic and straightforward sentences. o Example: "Utilize" instead of "use." o Example: "The manager approved the proposal" instead of 2. Complex Sentences: Long, convoluted sentences that make it hard "The proposal was approved by the manager." to grasp the main idea. 4. Be Concise: Eliminate unnecessary words. Aim for brevity while o Example: "The implementation of the new policy will retaining meaning. necessitate the reevaluation of existing protocols in order to 5. Use Visuals: Incorporate diagrams, charts, and images to ensure compliance." complement text and enhance understanding. 3. Ambiguous Language: Vague terms that leave room for 6. Revise and Edit: Review your work to eliminate jargon, simplify interpretation. language, and improve clarity. Seek feedback from others. o Example: "Soon" or "in the near future" instead of specifying a date. E. Principles of Plain Language 4. Redundancy: Using unnecessary words that clutter the message. 1. Readability: o Example: "Free gift" instead of just "gift." o Short Sentences: Aim for an average of 15-20 words per sentence. C. Why Use Plain Language?  o Common Words: Favor simple, everyday language over complex terms. B. Types of Audiences o Appropriate Font and Size: Use readable fonts and sizes to make text more accessible. 1. Captive vs. Non-Captive Audiences 2. Organizing Information: Captive Audience: o Logical Flow: Present information in a logical sequence. o This audience is required to be present, such as in a Start with the most critical points. classroom or a mandatory corporate training session. They o Clear Purpose: Each section should have a clear objective may not have a choice but to listen, which can affect their and should be easy to follow. engagement level. 3. Designing an Effective Document: o Strategies: Use engaging content and interactive elements to o White Space: Use margins and spacing to create a clean maintain interest. layout that’s easy on the eyes. Non-Captive Audience: o Consistent Formatting: Use consistent styles for headings, o This audience attends voluntarily, such as at a conference or fonts, and colors to guide readers through the document. public event. Their engagement level is typically higher, as o Accessible Language: Ensure that all readers can they are there out of interest or necessity. understand your message, using clear, direct language and o Strategies: Focus on relevance and value, making the avoiding unnecessary complexity. content compelling to retain attention. 2. Experts, Technicians, Executives, and Non-Specialist Audiences Experts: Adopting plain language principles not only enhances communication o Individuals with advanced knowledge in a specific field. effectiveness but also fosters inclusivity and accessibility. By focusing on They expect in-depth analysis and sophisticated terminology. clarity, organization, and design, we can create documents that empower o Strategies: Provide detailed data, case studies, and advanced readers and facilitate understanding. As we move forward in our discussions, concepts. let’s keep these principles in mind to create materials that resonate with our Technicians: audience. o Professionals who understand the technical aspects but may not be familiar with the broader context. They seek practical UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUDIENCE applications and clarity in technical language. o Strategies: Use clear technical explanations and focus on A. What is an Audience? practical applications. An audience refers to a group of individuals who receive, interpret, and Executives: respond to a message or communication. Understanding the audience is o Decision-makers who often look for high-level insights, crucial for effective communication, as it shapes how the message is crafted, strategic implications, and ROI. They value brevity and delivered, and received. Audiences can vary based on demographics, clarity. knowledge levels, interests, and the context in which they engage with the o Strategies: Highlight key points, use visuals, and emphasize material. the business impact.  Non-Specialist Audiences: o Understand what the audience hopes to gain from the o General audience members with little to no background communication. This may include information, motivation, knowledge in the subject matter. They require explanations or problem-solving. that are simple and clear. 2. Tailor Content: o Strategies: Avoid jargon, use analogies, and focus on basic o Adjust language, tone, and complexity based on the concepts. audience’s characteristics and expectations. 3. Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Audiences Primary Audience: 3. Engagement Strategies: o The main group targeted by the communication. They are the o Use interactive elements, relatable examples, and relevant direct recipients of the message. visuals to enhance engagement o Example: Employees receiving a company policy update. Secondary Audience: Audience Analysis o Individuals who may not be the primary targets but are still 1. Demographics: impacted or interested in the communication. o Assess age, education level, profession, and cultural o Example: Family members of employees or other background to tailor messages effectively. departments within the organization. 2. Psychographics: Tertiary Audience: o Understand the audience's interests, values, attitudes, and o A broader group that may be indirectly affected or have a motivations to create a more personalized message. passing interest in the message. 3. Contextual Factors: o Example: Stakeholders or the general public following a o Consider the setting in which the communication occurs, corporate initiative. including time constraints, media used, and the purpose of 4. Real or Intended Audience the message. Real Audience: o The actual people who receive and interpret the message. Creating an Audience Profile Their backgrounds and perceptions can vary widely. 1. Gather Data: Intended Audience: o Use surveys, interviews, and research to collect information o The group that the communicator aims to reach or influence about the audience’s characteristics and preferences. with their message. Understanding this audience helps shape 2. Develop Profiles: the content and approach. o Create detailed profiles that include: ▪ Demographic Information: Age, gender, C. Write Your Audience occupation, education. Meeting Audience’s Needs ▪ Knowledge Level: Familiarity with the topic, 1. Identify Audience Needs: expertise. ▪ Interests and Needs: What are they looking to learn or gain?  ▪ Preferred Communication Style: Formal vs. ▪ Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon unless it’s informal, visual vs. text based. commonly understood by the audience. Prefer 3. Adjust Content Accordingly: everyday words over complex vocabulary. o Use the audience profiles to inform your approach, ensuring ▪ Be Specific: Use specific details rather than vague that the message aligns with their needs and expectations. terms. For example, instead of saying "some issues," Conclusion specify "three critical issues." Understanding your audience is essential for effective communication. By ▪ Organize Logically: Structure the document with analyzing audience types, needs, and preferences, you can create tailored headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to guide messages that resonate and engage. This comprehensive approach not only the reader through the content. enhances clarity but also fosters stronger connections between the ▪ Use Active Voice: Active voice is generally more communicator and the audience. As we proceed, let’s apply these insights to straightforward and easier to understand than passive our own communication strategies. voice. FIVE TRAITS OF TECHNICAL WRITING 2. Conciseness o Defi