Unit - 1
Information Design and Development
The term “Technical Communication” may be broadly defined as the use of language to convey thoughts dealing with a specific field or Industry. Technical communication can be considered to be “transactional” in nature, it carries a specific purpose to be carried out between the sender and receiver, a transaction of information that may be useful for practical purposes. Effective in communication allows one to collect, organize, convey and instruct new thoughts and ideas. Technical communication is generally tailor made towards the audience or the individual to whom the information is to be conveyed. Communication can either be verbal or non-verbal, oral or written.
Types of Technical Documents
Technical Reports: General Format of a Report
Reports can be as short as a few sentences and as long as a few large pages. Although reports can be verbal and informal, here we are concerned with written and formal reports.
While writing the following principles can be kept in mind:
Consider your Audience:
When organizing and preparing your reports you need to know who your audience is and whether or not your content meets their interests and needs.
Enable Your Report:
Legitimacy has to do with how easy or readable it is. As most reports in normal cases type, all meetings with good typing should be followed. If there are handwritten reports, special attention should be given to writing clearly and clearly. Any departure from the above requirement will prove displeasing to your audience.
Make your Report readable:
Clarity, durability and systematic presentation of readable content. The concept is summarized better than the following:
The author does a lot by giving his reader a lot of information and taking away from him a little time.
In this regard the following five goals are met:
a) Use short sentences.
b) You prefer convenience to the building.
c) Choose a common name.
d) Use the economy and avoid unnecessary words.
e) Act actions as far as possible
Avoid unnecessary Names and Texts:
Just like unwanted fat in the body, padding, prolixity and repetition violates the respect of good writing, not to mention the respect they wrote for you. So 'agree' and 'prefer' will be more acceptable than pompous 'agree with' and 'prefer'. As such, why use 'at that point in time' and at a time when we have the best and most economical holdings at that time 'and' when '. Viewed from the point of view of the report, or requested for the report, a good report will contain four important details, an analysis of the information, conclusions and recommendations. It should always be remembered that effective reporting requires special attention to the needs and expectations of the reader. It means that the author of the report has to 'snap a picture', he must think and understand himself.
A technical report is comprised of the following sections:
A. Title Page
The title page includes the main title of the report, it must be short and concise. You can also include the word counts of your summary and main body.
B. Table of Contents
Help your reader quickly and easily find what they are looking for by using informative headings and careful numbering of your sections and sub-sections.
For example:
The introductory part of the report comprises of statement of the objectives of the report and how the report should be treated by the readers. It should indicate towards the problem that is going to be addressed in the main body. It should be catchy and interesting to grasp the attention of the reader from the very start.
B. The Body
The main body consists of the central theme or the main idea of the report. It can be divided into a number of sections and subsections to separate your research and subsequent findings in a logical order.
C. Figures, Graphs, Formulae and Tables
This section consists of the statistical representation of the data you have collected. Ideas should be conveyed in the form which is most suitable to the reader and easily understandable by the reader. Excessive use of these tools should be avoided.
D. Conclusion
The conclusion is a kind of summing up of all the points you have stated in the main text. It should be a definite solution to the problem introduced during the introductory part of the report. The conclusion must be short and to the point.
E. Summary
Summarize all the key points stated in the report including your research, your findings and your conclusion. The summary should feel like a brief overview of your investigations and outcomes. The summary should be constructed in such a way that it can be called a stand-alone document on its own.
F. References
References must include detailed information of all your citations and the sources of material quoted in your texts. It can also include bibliography for further reading.
G. Appendices
This is the last element of a report. It refers to any material which can be useful in the detailed understanding of your subject. It is not meant for the casual reader but for readers who are highly interested in the subject.
A memo report or memorandum is an internal and informal form of communication which is written to inform and to call to action. It is normally used for communicating policies, procedures or other information within the organization.
Unlike Interpersonal communication a memo report is presented to a large number of people. A memo has to be concise and concrete in terms of providing information.
One of the instances where you could be asked to write a memo report is in a lab. Here the audience for your memo report is your professor who has asked you to conduct an experiment and supply him with appropriate results.
All memo reports consist of two parts: the heading and the body
The Heading
The heading part follows the format given below:
TO: (The name of the receiver and their designation)
FROM: (Your name and designation or title)
DATE: (Current Date)
SUBJECT: (The purpose of writing the report)
The Body
The body of a memo report, like any technical report, should be concise and to the point. It needs to be properly structured and organized. It should consist of the following elements:
Opening:
This section should consist of 2 to 3 sentences and should state the main purpose of the memo. It should include the main problem with which the memo is concerned with and how it is going to be addressed. A good way to start the opening statement would be “The purpose of this memo is to inform you regarding the recent changes….”
Findings:
While writing a technical report it is crucial to include a summarized version of your findings regarding the concerned topic. It should include key points so that the reader can understand the purpose of the memo immediately. This section can also be labelled as “summary” or “recommendations”
Discussion:
This is the longest section in the memo which deals with all the information and evidences you have collected to support your arguments. This section can be subdivided into four subsections namely, Methods (any experiments or calculations involved), Analysis (the analysis of collected data), Results (summary of results obtained from methods and analysis) and Commentary (your objective views on your findings)
Conclusion:
After discussing your research, you should summarize the main elements of your finding in 2 or 3 sentences that should reiterate all the implications in the memo.
References:
All citations and bibliography are to be mentioned in the references section.
Progress Report
A progress report is a type of report which is written in order to inform a supervisor, associate, or customer about progress you’ve made on a project over a certain period of time.
A progress report must answer the following questions:
A progress report can be structured in three different ways:
a) Memo – An informal memo report to be sent to someone within the organization.
b) Letter – An informal or formal letter to be sent to someone outside of the organization.
c) Formal Report – A formal report to be sent to someone outside the organization
You should choose the type of progress report depending upon your requirements.
A progress report has no specific structure but should always include the following elements:
Status Report
A status report is an informative piece of writing which keeps the clients, project managers, supervisors and team members up to date regarding a certain project.
It comprises of the efforts, progress and risk associated with a project. A project status report can be a weekly, monthly or quarterly formulated report.
A project status report may be used to:
What is included in a status report:
Below is the format of a status report:
1. Project Name / Client Name
This section should contain the title of the project along with the name of the client. Make sure you record WHO the report is for and WHAT the report entails (i.e., what project).
2. Project Vision
Here the main objectives of the project are to be listed in a clear and to the point manner. This is the only static unchanging section of a status report.
Examples:
Drive qualified customers to “purchase” mobile devices based on an improved UI.
With this project, we hope to increase online sales through the implementation of a drip email marketing campaign.
Launch a website by June 2018 that allows customers to purchase the highest quality & best-tasting product in its category.
3. Project Health
Here the health status of the project can be highlighted. The use of colours could be very helpful for notifying the health status for example, green for successful, yellow for a few complications and red for issues requiring immediate and critical attention. A note to support is always helpful.
Examples:
Green: We’ve obtained approval on drip email designs. No budget concerns at this time.
Yellow: The drip email designs need significant revisions, therefore the final delivery date has been delayed by 1 week.
Red: The drip email campaign has drastically shifted direction since starting. We need to set-up a meeting to establish a wants/wishes for the project.
4. What We Completed This TIMEFRAME
These should be listed in bullet format. Keep these short & simple. Don’t explain the “how” just what.
Example:
Obtained approval for 3 drip email designs
5. What We Plan to Complete Next TIMEFRAME
This section should include what is planned in clear and precise bullet points.
Example:
Develop the three emails
Perform internal QA & testing
Pass off to client QA & testing
6. Issues/Roadblocks
This is where you can raise any red flags or obstacles keeping you from moving forward.
Example:
If we do not obtain client feedback by 06/02, we will be in jeopardy of not being able to send the email to consumers the same day as the product will be available in stores.
7. Upcoming Tasks & Milestones
This should include a set of goals to be achieved in the near future. Is there anything that the viewer should review? and what’s coming up next?
Examples:
dd/mm: Client QA & Testing
dd/mm: Email Deployment
Survey Report
A survey report is a document which elaborates the findings of a survey in an objective manner. Survey reports usually consist of detailed statistical analysis of the surveyed data divided into various sections. A survey report has no specific format and is curated as per the requirements of the surveyor.
Surveys can be conducted by means of questionnaires, door to door information gathering or by using internet surveying facilities. A survey report may be presented in factual form (numbers, percentages and proportions) along with its implications.
Like other reports, a survey report can also be broken up into several headings namely,
Below is a basic survey report sample:
To: Mrs. Joanna Brown
From: Liam Black Subject:
Survey "Ban on using and selling fireworks".
Date: 1st January 2008
Purpose
The aim of this report is to present results of the survey carried out to find out what is people's opinion on public displays and selling fireworks. That will help to decide if using and selling fireworks should be banned. The survey was carried out among people aged 25-50.
Ban on public displays of fireworks
Seventy-two per cent of people asked if there should be a ban on public display of fireworks were of the opinion that public displays should not be banned five per cent were for banning public displays of fireworks while three percent were not sure of their opinion. The facts stated above suggest that people do not mind public displays of fireworks and they would not want any limits on them.
An overall ban on sale of fireworks
The majority of people asked if there should be an overall, ban on sale of fireworks replied 'yes'. One fifth of interviewed said 'no'. One out of ten reported that they would rather ban sale of fireworks while a small portion of people (5 per cent) answered that they would rather not ban the sale of fireworks. Seven per cent did not have any opinion on the subject. It shows that over half of viewers are for banning sale of fireworks.
Children buying and using fireworks
A significant percentage of people (eighty-three) asked if they would allow their children to buy and use fireworks responded "no". The rest of interviewed said "yes". That shows that there should be absolute ban on selling fireworks to children as it may be very harmful and dangerous for them.
Conclusion On the basis of the findings above, it would seem that majority of people find fireworks dangerous and they would claim a definite ban on selling them, especially to children. People also do not trust displays of fireworks which should be banned. They also suggest that government should take some actions to restrict laws associated fireworks and sale of fireworks.
Trip Report
A trip report is an informative document provided to one’s supervisor after their business travel. It includes the collection of events during the trip, the expenditure accrued during the trip and information regarding the purpose of the trip.
A trip report should be curated with the following elements in mind:
1. Purpose: The purpose of a trip report is to justify the purpose of the trip and the money that was spent by the travelling individual. Because trip reports provide proof of expenses, it is imperative that they are accurate and provide a clear explanation of the trip.
2. Audience: Trip reports are targeted towards one's immediate supervisor; however, the report may become a portion of a larger report, or it may be forwarded to other managers, accountants, and even CEOs. Trip reports eventually provide company accountants with information for yearly reports, projected annual budgets, and crucial information for tax filing.
3. Mode: While trip reports can be written as a letter, memo, or e-mail, you should remember that trip reports are official documents that should always be written in a formal tone. Whichever mode of communication that you choose or that you are instructed to use as a means for providing your information, you should plan, organize, and write your report following the convention of business genre and following correct writing conventions (grammar, punctuation, and usage).
It is essential to organize and structure the trip report into different headings and subheadings so as to make it easily readable.
4. Formatting and Elements of the Report:
A. Subject line: On the subject line, you should include the destination, purpose, and date of the trip.
B. Statement of purpose: The first line of the text of your report should be your statement of purpose or the purpose of the trip—be specific. Depending upon your position in the company, it may be necessary to include the name of the person who approved the travel.
C. Introductory summary: The summary can be divided into sections, depending upon the reason for the trip. In each section, you should elaborate so that your company will have information for a follow-up trip.
I. Contains the reason for the trip.
II. Who you met. You should always provide full names, titles, and conversations
that related to your trip.
III. What you accomplished. A work trip is planned for achieving a specific task which should be mentioned in detail.
D. Summary of actions: A description of the events that took place on the trip.
E. Depending on the report, you may be asked to provide recommendations based on your findings from the trip.
F. Outcomes: Describe any results of the trip.
G. Spreadsheet: Provide a detailed list of expenditures, and photo copied receipts. (Do not highlight the receipts. Highlighting can impair the quality of the copy.)
Complaint Report
Many companies encourage the use of complaint reports as the proper method of formally stating a complaint. These reports are usually used to address unsatisfactory transactions or conditions concerning a company. Writing a complaint report properly is key to getting your concern heard and the problem remedied.
A complaint report consists of the following elements:
The Heading
The heading part follows the format given below:
TO: (The individual or company to whom the complaint is addressed)
FROM: (The individual registering the complaint)
DATE: (Current Date)
SUBJECT: (The main purpose summed up in one sentence)
The Body
The body must contain an introduction where you should write the purpose of your report and what is the primary concern of the report. It should then include the main subject, in this case the complaint. The issue at hand should be properly discussed and you should try to provide reasonable solutions to the problem. The tone should not be aggressive at it would make it more difficult to find a suitable resolution to your grievances. The concluding sentence should sum up the report in 2-3 sentences, try to reiterate the key points you have mentioned earlier and try to suggest a few measures that would help in solving your issue.
Joining Report
A joining report is a report written to the immediate supervisor or manager in the event of returning to work after a leave or vacation. These reports are the shortest kinds of report only intimating the supervisor of one’s return to the job. A joining letter on the other hand refers to a letter written by an individual to confirm his position where he is newly appointed to work at an organisation.
There is no set format for a joining report but it can follow the template given below:
JOINING REPORT
I hereby report myself for duty after returning from leave from this day on ………………... (forenoon/
afternoon).
I have availed the following kinds of leave.
Earned leave for ………………………... days (from ……………… to …………)
Half Pay leave for ……………………… days (from ……………… to …………)
Commuted leave (MC) for ……………... days (from ……………… to …………)
EOL (with/without MC for …………days (from ……………… to …………)
with permission to prefix/suffix holidays on …………………….)
Signature: ……………
Name in block letter:
Designation: ………….
Laboratory Report
A laboratory report is a formal, analytical and concise record of an experiment. The discussion of the experiment, the various procedures and the subsequent results obtained should be clear and specific enough that a reader could easily replicate the experiment. One of the main purposes of writing a laboratory report is to communicate the work done in the laboratory to the management on a regular basis. Another reason for writing a laboratory report is to record an experiment for the future and archive it.
Format
Although most laboratory reports will include the following sections, some experiments will require a
different format. All reports should be tailored so as to meet the requirements laid down by the experiment.
Abstract: The abstract should contain a brief informational synopsis of your experiment. It is advisable to keep the abstract under 200 words. While writing the abstract, assertive or declarative sentences should be used rather than writing a long descriptive prose.
Introduction: Here the background of the experiment which is to be undertaken is explained in a few lines. The introduction should explain the objectives you hope to achieve from the experiment. When appropriate, the background should indicate theoretical predictions.
Procedures (or Methods): This section includes a detailed set of instructions of how the experiment is ought to be conducted. Each instruction should be so precise that the reader should be able to replicate it if he so desired. There should be no ambiguity and error when it comes to numbers and quantities. All statistical information should be well organised.
Results and Discussion (sometimes presented as separate sections): This section must convey results relevant to the goals of the experiment. Here the analysis of the results obtained from the experiment must be carried out along with its implications. All possible sources of error should be acknowledged with potential solutions if any. Results can also be presented in the form of graphs and tables if the experiment needs it.
Conclusions: Here you should place the specific results acquired into the context of the experiment as a whole. The discussion section should serve as sufficient conclusion if the experiment and report is short. Remember to evaluate the results you obtained in light of the objectives stated in the introduction.
Appendices: This section must include the information which is too extensive or tangential to warrant inclusion in the main body of the report, but necessary as procedural or analytical evidence.
Research Paper
A research paper is a form of academic writing which involves in-depth analysis, interpretation and argumentation of a specific topic. They are long and detailed studies of subjects which test the researching abilities of the writer along with their logic and writing abilities.
The basic idea of a research paper is to contribute something new or original to the topic. It requires strong and extensive knowledge of the topic and the ability to engage with a variety of sources on part of the researcher.
Below are the steps one must follow to write an engaging research paper:
1. Understand the assignment
The first step of writing a research paper is understating your assignment. Find out the objectives, deadline, formatting, length specifications and submission methods for your research assignment. It can be helpful to make a list of these items and check them off as you define them. Be conscious of word limits and timeframes if any.
2. Choose a research paper topic
Try to choose a topic from a subject which already interests you. Narrow it down to a topic which meets the requirements for your assignments, and would be easy for you to research. Brainstorming with a pen and paper is a good method to search for a topic. While choosing a topic try to be original and specific. Other research papers and dissertations can also be helpful for choosing a topic.
3. Conduct preliminary research
Journals, websites on the internet and journals are some of the best sources for conducting research. Try to avoid irrelevant ideas or concepts which would hinder you from thinking radically about your topic. Like a debate it is essential to look for both arguments and counter-arguments about your topic. Try to formulate an original idea and persuade it while researching. Make questions such as “What do I want to look for?” “Why is this relevant to this other thing” and so on. They would help you search for many possible answers which you can incorporate in your research.
4. Develop a thesis statement
A thesis statement is your central argument in the research paper. This argument should be your original contribution to the subject and should establish your purpose and position in writing the paper. If you start your research paper with a question, this thesis statement should be its answer.
It should be coherent, concise and meaningful. The thesis statement should be summed up in a sentence or two with the right choice of words which summarize your argument.
5. Create a research paper outline
A research paper outline will be like a table of contents with headings and subheadings for your topics, arguments and evidences that you would present in the paper. It will give you an idea of what the final draft of the research paper will look like. A structured outline of your paper will make your succeeding processes much more efficient.
7. The first draft
The first draft will not look like the final product but it will give you the basic layout of how it should be. The basic strategies while writing the first draft should be to write down your central arguments and add detail to them. It is not necessary to start with the introduction just start from wherever you feel comfortable. It is very important to keep track of your sources at this stage to avoid plagiarism.
Use the first draft to organise and structure your research paper while filling it with information. It’s essential to follow a logical order while jotting down ideas and evidences.
8. Write the research paper introduction
The introduction to a research paper should introduce the background of the research and define key terms and concepts. It should provide a brief insight into what is going to be your original contribution to the subject.
It should also let the readers know what to expect from the rest of the paper and how you are going to present your arguments and evidences. It is advisable, while writing an introduction, to be very specific and keep it as short as possible.
9. Write a compelling body of text
This is the part where you include all the findings from your research. It should cover your thesis statement and answer all the questions as clearly and concisely as possible. Here all the ideas should be elaborated and evidences should be produced to support your arguments.
The structuring of the main body should be logical and the reader should be able to follow each argument with ease. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they are to be written in such a way that they give two different perspectives.
10. Write the research paper conclusion
The conclusion should provide a sense of closure to the reader summarizing all that you have stated previously in the paper. The conclusion should be convincing enough to prove your thesis statement beyond any doubts.
The conclusion should be short and to the point and should not include any new information or arguments.
11. The revision process
The revision process involves proof-reading the paper to ensure there are no discrepancies and the paper is articulated as it is supposed to be.
While revising, check the logical flow of arguments, check for typographical errors, check if all questions raised in the paper are answered, check for irrelevant or unnecessary information.
Dissertation and Theses
There are two major differences between a dissertation and a thesis. Firstly, while a dissertation is presented at the end of a post-graduate programme a doctoral thesis marks the end of a PhD degree. And secondly while they both follow the same format and structure a thesis is much more detailed and intricate than a dissertation.
In short, a thesis is presented to earn a doctorate degree while a dissertation is presented to earn a master’s degree.
Below are the elements and format of a dissertation or thesis:
Title page
The title should be an indication of what the research is about. It will need to be succinct, specific and representative of the research you have done. Every discipline has its own format for the title page, this format is to be followed and the title page is to be created accordingly.
Abstract
The Abstract is one of the shortest sections of a dissertation or thesis. It is a concise summary of the research which you have done for the thesis. It should consist of the results and implications of the research and should answer they 'how's' and 'whys' of the paper. The abstract is almost always constrained in one page and has a certain word limit which may differ depending upon the discipline.
Contents, figure and table lists
This section will include the organisational structure of the dissertation or thesis. Any imbalance in space devoted to different sections of content will become clear. This is a useful check on whether you need to join sections, or create new or sub-sections.
Introduction
This is the first piece of actual information that the reader will come across but it is advisable to write it in the end. Once you have completed the other sections of the dissertation, you will have a clearer idea of what you are introducing. The introduction has two main roles:
The literature review, or context of the study
The purpose of this chapter is to show that you are aware of how your dissertation fits into the body of existing research in your field. To do this you need to:
This can lead into a clear statement of the research question(s) or problem(s) you will be addressing.
It is worth taking time to develop a logical structure for sections in this chapter. This will help to convince examiners of the relevance of your research. It will also provide you with a framework for your discussion chapter.
Methods and materials
This chapter should provide a straightforward description of how you conducted the research. All the materials and methods used during your research are to be described in this section in detail. The amount of detail should be enough for another researcher to replicate your work.
Results / Findings
You will need to check the preferred style of reporting in your field. Decisions about style of presentation may need to be made about the following:
Will you begin with an initial overview of the results, followed by the detail? Alternatively, you may decide to move immediately into the detail of the results
In which order you will present the detailed results?
What balance, in terms of word space, do you want to achieve across the spread of results that you have?
Discussion
In this section you discuss how your research relates and compares to the previous findings of your predefined subject. You can refer back to the argument that you provided for your research in the literature review. You should then discuss what your own research has added in this context. It is important to show that you appreciate the limitations of your research, and how these may affect your findings. You can report on the implications of your findings for theory, research, and practice.
Conclusion
The conclusion should be short and precise and shouldn't include new information or arguments. It is essentially a summary of your research. Here you will draw ‘conclusions’ from the main points that have emerged and what they mean for your field.
References
This section needs to include all your references in the required referencing style. As you edit and rewrite your dissertation you will probably gain and lose references. It is important to check that each source cited in the text appears in your reference list. You must also check that all the references in your reference list appear within the text.
Appendices
Include in the appendices those items that a reader would want to see, but which would disrupt the flow if placed within the main text. Make sure to check if the appendices are included within the word limit. Also ensure you reference the Appendices within the main text where necessary.
Acknowledgements
This section should include the people who have helped you in the various stages of composing the paper. Read the acknowledgements in other dissertations in your field. This will give you an idea of the ways in which previous students have acknowledged the different kinds of help they have received
Technical Proposals
A technical proposal is a document which is used to introduce a new product to the receiver(s). It consists of the product execution plans of the organization, how the product can benefit the readers and also contains the technical details of the product.
A technical proposal should be concise and should be able to explain the complex details of a product easily. It should also be able to attract potential customers by ensuring them that your organisation is the one they want to make deals with.
A technical proposal is curated for various purposes but the main objectives are to offer sales of product or services, or to offer the undertaking of a project which can be practical or theoretical in nature. It can also be an offer to solve a technical problem.
A technical proposal can be written for various purposes including:
Characteristics
There are some basic characteristics that all technical proposals are likely to contain, which are summarised below. These characteristics can be tailored depending upon the requirement of the receiver(s).
The fundamental characteristics of a technical proposal include:
1. A well-stated definition of the problem or requirement
It should first and foremost describe the problem or the need of your product in the market. It should also describe why the problem or need has occurred in the first place and what shall be the consequences if the problem remains unsolved.
2. A clearly stated proposal to solve the problem
The proposal should contain means and methods of solving the problem stated earlier. If you are offering a product or service, it should clearly state how the product or service will meet the requirements of the recipient and guarantee satisfaction. It should also discuss how the solution will be implemented.
3. Awareness of alternative proposals
It should always contain a plan B. Meaning, if the first offer should get refused by the recipient there should be plans for other ways to convince them
4. An evaluation of the benefits of your proposal
A technical proposal will always try to impose the positive effects of your proposal, for example, cost benefits or sustainability. A detailed account of how your product or service will benefit the receiving organisation financially and how durable the project or undertaking will be is a basic feature that is included in all technical proposals.
5. Possible counter arguments to your proposal
The customer is to be made aware of all the possible arguments that one could make against your offering, then the counter-arguments against those should be included to emphasize the reliability of your product or service.
6. A careful analysis of your audience
A technical proposal is carefully crafted taking the requirements, convictions and prejudices of the readers into account.
And the information and details presented in the proposal are always in accordance with the audience’s knowledge base and background.
7. A reasonable, sensible tone and style
The use of irony and sarcasm are to be avoided as much as possible. Provide arguments and counter-arguments for your proposal but always keep in mind that your key points should be positive regarding your product or service.
The appeal to the recipient should be based on intellect and reason rather than emotion. (Although appealing to the emotions subtly is likely to be necessary at times as part of the persuasive tone – see persuasive writing).
All proposals can be divided into four broad categories viz. Internal, external, solicited and unsolicited proposals:
1. Internal, external: An internal proposal is a proposal written to someone within the organisation itself (a business, a government agency, etc.). Internal proposals are mostly semi-formal and contain less information (such as qualifications) since the communication is internal and there is a sense of familiarity. An external proposal is written to an individual or organisation which is outside the scope of one's own organisation. Technical proposals are mostly external proposals.
These proposals me be solicited or unsolicited as discussed below.
2. Solicited, unsolicited: A proposal which is specifically requested by the reception is called a solicited proposal. Companies often send out requests for proposals (RFPs) through the mail or publish them in various news sources. A proposal which is provided on one's own volition and is not requested by the recipient is known as a solicited proposal. It is a basic requirement to convince the recipient regarding the existence of a problem or the need of a product before starting the main part of an unsolicited proposal. Technical proposals, more often than not, are unsolicited proposals.
Most technical proposals can be classified into 4 main types:
Research Technical Proposal
In research technical proposals a specific research topic is discussed at length. It proposes the strategies for implementation of a particular research along with its objectives. The results of the research are also discussed in the proposal if they are obtained.
Academic technical proposal
Academically inclined proposals include solutions to academic problems such as classroom automation or surveys. These proposals are always concise, formal and well organised.
Business technical proposal
Business technical proposals are proposals which supplement offers towards improving the various business processes. It could be an introduction to any new technical software or products to save the cost and time of the business and provide sustainability. It is very detailed about the specifications of the product or services it offers.
Government technical proposal
These proposals are curated with government undertakings in mind. They are formal in tone and provide a detailed cost analysis and benefits of dealing with your organisation.
Structure
A technical Proposal consists of 3 main sections and various sub-sections.
The 3 main sections include:
These 3 sections can be divided into a number of sub-sections which include:
Prefatory:
Title Page: The title should be suitable and catchy so as to grab the attention of the receiver.
Table of Contents: The table of contents should include the structure of the proposal and should be well organised with various headings and subheadings.
Executive Summary: This section must include a summarized version of the contents of the main body. It should be short and should contain all the key points covered in the proposal
Main Body:
Introduction: In this section the main problem or the need of a particular product or service should be stated and emphasized. The introduction should be short but convincing enough for the reader to read further. It should also state the main objectives of the proposal and how they are going to be achieved.
Technical Section: This section should include all the technical details regarding the product or service. The implementation process and statistical data are also a part of this section. If there are any charts, graphs or any other illustrative tools, they are to be included in this section.
Cost Estimate: This section includes the cost benefit analysis of the undertaking. It should include all the benefits you and your organisation are providing with respect to the offered goods and services. It should also include a sustainability guarantee and all the cost figures connected to the project.
Conclusion: This section should include a summary of the key points with an emphasis on benefits with making deals with your organisation. It shouldn’t be very long and should contain all the necessary information which is required to persuade the reader to accept your proposal.
Supplementary Parts:
Appendices: This section must include the information which is too extensive or tangential to warrant inclusion in the main body of the report, but necessary as procedural or analytical evidence.
References: References must include detailed information of all your citations and the sources of material quoted in your texts. It can also include bibliography for further reading.
What is the risk finding with a table and a CV?
Sometimes you will see the words go on and the CV is used interchangeably. They are not the same. The resume is a short documentary designed to market your professional skills while the cv contains an informative list of your expertise, of your courses, and other information.
Cv stands for curriculum ("course of life"). Cvs are separate by design. Think of them as an encyclopedia version of your professional life, taking your career history, education, credentials, relationships, publication and professionalism. They can extend well over three or four pages.
In the United States, CVs are usually limited to professions with general positions where deep expertise is critical, such as academics, science and medicine. These CVs are filled with extended education categories, work history, internships, gigs talk, teaching appointments, magazine publishing and other information that establishes trust.
Re-use across many industries and very short on just one or two pages. That's because the resume is not intended to capture all the details of your previous experience. Your resume should be designed and updated based on the details of each activity you use. Negative jobs in past jobs can be eliminated to save space and attract more attention to your used and accessible skills.
How to write the resume:
1. Select the resume format and the categories you need
2. Always include contact details, work experience, and education
3. Use traditional topics for high compliance
4. Apply practical skills directly to the job description
5. Replace basic tasks with impactful performance
6. Do not include an old goal statement or reference section
7. Preview and double-check what you wrote
8. Save as docx file (optional) or pdf.
If you think you are done, ask someone else to take care of you. Alternatively, take it to jobs can for a quick answer.
What to learn from your question?
At the very least, your startup should include your contact details, work experience, and education. Additional job summary sections, skills, volunteer work, and additional qualifications can be added when related to the job you work for.
The work ethic here is "worth it." remember that your resume is intended to quickly highlight the reasons why you are well prepared for the job. It is not intended to explain all the tasks you have done. Instead of simply listing your daily obligations from past activities, read the job listing and try to find the answer to each of the requirements listed. This is likely to get the attention of an employer who can only look at your return for a few seconds. It also broadens your application tracking system to apply to algorithms that help companies identify top candidates.
Below you will find out which parts of the restart to include in your startup and how to adapt to the job you are looking for.
Contact information:
The title of your startup should include the following information:
It may seem obvious, but job seekers sometimes forget an important piece of contact information in this section. Double check and make it as easy as possible for employers to contact you for job interviews.
Phone number:
Enter a personal phone number, not a work number. Enter your city, state, and zip code (e.g., “Seattle, WA 98104”). This is important as other applicant tracking systems allow employers to filter the candidates based on location. Employers will always start with local selectors first. If you are traveling from somewhere, write down your current location and your future location.
Email address:
Use a valid email address. An email address based around your name is correct, such as jackieromano12@email.com. Your "happy" email address may work well in your life, but the terms "beersnob88" or "biebersuperfan" may not be so clear. Even using a seemingly outdated email client - such as aol or hotmail - can harm your prospects. Consider creating a free Gmail account for your search.
Linked Profile url:
If the employer is surprised by your qualifications, they will look at your online profiles. All job seekers should create a strong LinkedIn profile and include a URL in their resume. This will make the life of the employer a little easier and help them to cross-check the claims on your resume.
Work experience:
Part of the work experience is the heart of your resume. Separate this category from a clear, existing topic, such as "work experience," "work experience," or "employment history." this will help guide employers towards your resume and ensure that the applicant tracking system (ats) is well defined.
Under the main heading, list each activity in chronological order. Each function should have its own sub-heading that includes the following information:
For example:
The first things an employer looks for in your resume are the topics of the work you hold and the number of companies you've worked with. This format not only makes it easy for them to access that information, but our research has found that this sequence also provides greater ats compatibility.
Under each subheading, include responsibilities and measurable outputs that are relevant to the job you are working on. Remember, you don't have to include all the activities that were part of your daily routine. Use your available space to highlight the skills and knowledge requested in the job description. Jobs can help you decide exactly what skills are requested and whether or not you have highlighted them.
Education:
When you have a few years into your career, your education level may also be reduced under your resume. Unless you're using a profession that places more emphasis on education (such as academics, law, or medicine), most job seekers can escape by simply providing the following information on their resume:
• Agency name
• Stem
• School location
• Years visited
If you have just graduated from college, your education level surpasses your professional experience and includes many details. Skills developed in school are real skills that are important in the professional world. Recent rooms can include appropriate coursework, communities, organizations, and extracurriculars that strengthen their identity.
Activities:
98% of fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems (ats) to filter, filter, and enter applicants. Other acts, such as taleo, can automatically add your own content to the job description, allowing employers to focus only on the best "applicants". Employers are also looking at their application site to find keywords, such as "customer service," "accounts available," or "adobe photoshop."
Overloading or coming up as a search result is about adding complex skills and keywords to your resume. A good way to identify key skills in a list and search algorithms is to identify which skills are most prominent in the job description. Aligning these skills to your resume, where applicable, increases your chances of being selected for an interview
Strong skills should apply to all your resume capabilities. Entering the skills category for your startup is not a prerequisite, but it can help you have a natural place to list the essential skills in the job you work for. The dedicated skills section also makes your resume much easier for employers trying to quickly find out if you meet their needs.
If you are using the skills section, remember that the list of skills and keywords is not enough. Add context to these skills to your full potential so employers can believe. This includes factors such as projects you have used in skills, the number of years of experience in a given skill, or the level of your expertise.
Historical and free:
Some restart forms allow space for some optional components. Only use the category of awards or honors in your resume if it makes sense for the job you work for. Active reputations will improve your credibility while poor prizes simply distract you from your best titles. For example, decide to get a monthly career or get a great customer satisfaction rating for your department, but maybe not if you are a kart race expert in your free time.
Volunteer work and study:
The work you do as an active volunteer can add to your qualifications and skill set as all paid experience. Also, the word "works." highlight the volunteer work of your startup that uses the skills that apply to the job you work for. Carefully list voluntary organizations or affiliated organizations, such as political or religious organizations.
What you can leave from your view:
Statement of note:
The statement of intent has been used as a standard for the restart and appears in other implementation templates. Traditionally, the purposeful statements were a brief introduction to the resume which explains why the submission is returned. For example, "purpose: to secure a position as a communications manager at a leading sales center."
Including a purpose that you can restart these days can make you appear later. The job summary statement replaced the purpose of today's reboot. Any other information can serve as a cover letter.
While a statement of objectives describes your goals, a concise statement outlines how you can add value to the company.
Examinations:
It is not necessary to write your directions in your resume unless otherwise stated in the job description. In addition, it is assumed that you have references, so there is no need to include "references available on request" either. Use the space you save to add additional skills and achievements.
Soft skills:
When it comes to your resume, soft skills are not nearly as important as technical skills. That is because it is difficult to demonstrate within the context of a restart. For example, an employer will not take your name from you if you say "you work hard" or "you solve a problem." in fact, it looks like it's short.
Instead of simply writing soft skills, find opportunities to show off your interpersonal and behavioral skills. Achievements and measurable results are a great way to do this. For example, instead of saying "hard work," indicate in writing that you have completed x projects that are more than your department average.
Gpa:
Only list your gpa as part of your continuing education program if you have recently graduated from college and have a good gpa, similar to a 3.5 or better with a 4.0 rating. There are a few exceptions. Some industries, as professionals, are waiting to see your gpa.
Should you get more about it?
While a one-page startup is sometimes considered to be the best, a two-page resume may be required after five or ten years of staffing, especially if all of your experience is relevant to the job you are pursuing. Managers sometimes have three or more pages running.
That said, your resume should not be longer than it should. Short, step-by-step resumes will easily be digested and highlight your most important skills. After writing your resume, try removing the excess fluff and inappropriate content to reduce your page count and draw your attention to your best titles. No matter how many pages you start, try putting your most impressive titles at the top of the first page with a summary or category of skills.
How to do this form:
There are several different ways to format your resume. Choosing the right format will make the writing process easier. When choosing a format, consider the function you are using for it. The chronological, compositional, and functional styles of each work serve a specific purpose.
The information design and development life cycle, is a multistep, iterative, and structured process that encompasses the activities of planning, analysis, designing, building, testing, deploying, and maintaining an information system. The information design and development life cycle are a long-term embedded concept in software engineering and in the world of Information Technology.
When talking about an information system, we must recognize that it includes both hardware and software configurations, which are why it encompasses these two components and usually covers these 7 phases: planning, analysis, design, development, testing and integration, implementation, and maintenance. The system development life cycle helps alleviate the complexity of developing a system information system from scratch, within a framework of structured phases that help shape the project and manage it easily.
Main Development Life Cycle Phases
These are the main system development life cycle phases:
An organizational structure is a system that outlines how certain activities are directed in order to achieve the goals of an organization. These activities can include rules, roles, and responsibilities. The organizational structure also determines how information flows between levels within the company.
This structuring provides a company with a visual representation of how it is shaped and how it can best move forward in achieving its goals. Organizational structures are normally illustrated in some sort of chart or diagram like a pyramid, where the most powerful members of the organization sit at the top, while those with the least amount of power are at the bottom.
Document design concerns about how the physical appearance of your document appeals to the audience. Hence, it is important to pay attention to your document design as readers do not read only the printed words on a page, but also, they also the visual presentation of the text. Furthermore, a good document should effectively communicate as well as translate the main ideas of a document to the audience. Consequently, according to Reep (2006), there are six important factors that you need to consider about in producing an effective and yet attractive document.
Business documents - such as letters, emails, reminders and reports - use categories to distinguish different types of information, ideas, and ideas. The sections written in the business format are organized in an orderly, professional and well-organized manner. When writing a business document, we have to look at how the paragraph will appear on the page, the organization of the section and its placement throughout the article. We have to agree on the way our categories are organized. We should use short language and simple style to keep the reader focused on our message.
Block Status:
The general visual format of the sections in the business document is the block format where the section start is missing. Instead, the entire section is separated on its own and left with a reason, which means it corresponds to the left edge of the paper. A blank line is inserted at the back of each section to distinguish it from the next section or item of a document. Semi-block, where each article's beginning is inserted, is rarely used.
Font:
The sections in the business document are typed in traditional font such as 12-point Times New Roman. Avoid using strange fonts that deviate from your text. Use the same font for the rest of the document, except for titles, which can use either a larger font size or a stronger typeface.
Paragraph content:
Each section has to deal with one main idea. Introduce the main idea to a common statement in the first paragraph of a paragraph. Follow this topic sentence with a few sentences that support the main idea. This may contain informative information or debate to defend your view. Wrap up the paragraph with a summary sentence. If the class is running too long, you risk losing the student's attention. Instead, arrange the long section into two or more sections.
Paragraph Order:
A business document, such as a report or letter, begins with a paragraph that informs the title of the book. This is followed by one or more sections that develop the lesson. The concluding paragraph summarizes the information you provided or asked the student to take some action. For example, a letter outlining the reasons for an ad campaign may begin with an introductory paragraph introducing the campaign, followed by three sections each explaining the unique purpose of the campaign and a concluding paragraph asking the reader to approve the campaign. If the document is long, use headers to separate large sections.
Style:
While the tone can be friendly, business texts are written in formal style. Your writing may be read by third parties and kept by the company for many years, so avoid personal comments. Keep your writing up to date using gender-neutral language, as well as grammar and spelling. Keep your sentences short and to the point. Avoid clichés, contraction and slang.
Importance of constructing good paragraphs:
Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers.
Without well-written paragraphs that flow logically from one idea to the next and worthwhile and help support a somewhat problematic inter-search engine, your paper will not be viewed as reliable and, well, you will find the poor distance.
Here are some ideas for solving common problems associated with classification:
1. No controlling idea
Think of each paragraph as having three common layers of text. Virtual content is in the middle. It includes all the evidence you need to make a point. However, this evidence needs to be presented by the subject line in some way or your readers do not know what to do with all the evidence you have provided. Thus, the beginning of a passage defines a controlling view of a category. The last part of the section tells the reader how the section relates to the broader debate and often provides a change in the following concept. Once you understand the use of topic sentences, you can decide that a topic sentence for a particular paragraph should actually not be the first paragraph sentence. This is correct — the topic sentence can go at the beginning, middle, or end of a paragraph; what is important is that it is there to inform readers what is the main idea of the section and how it links back to the broader thesis of your paper.
2. More than one controlling idea
This is the most common reason why a class is too long. If a paragraph is longer than a page, it may contain more than one view. In this case, consider eliminating sentences that fit the second concept, in the sense that they probably do not really inform and help support the central research problem, or split the paragraph into two or more categories, each with one governing idea.
3.Transitions are needed
You are probably familiar with the idea that conversions may be required between paragraphs or sections on paper. Sometimes they are useful within the body of one category. Within a clause, modifications are usually single words or short phrases that help to establish the relationship between ideas and build logical development of those ideas in the paragraph. This is especially true within paragraphs that discuss many examples or discuss complex ideas, issues or concepts.
Structure and Writing Style
1. General Structure
Most of the subsections in the book revolve around the formation of three general sections of each section of the research paper, and, by extension, a comprehensive research paper, with an introduction, a body of facts and analysis, and a conclusion. You can see this structure in stages as it relates, describes, compares, compares or analyzes information. Each section of the paragraph plays an important role in conveying the meaning you desire to the reader.
Introduction: first phase; must include the topic sentence and other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph giving background information or providing flexibility.
The body: follows the introduction; discusses regulatory logic, uses facts, arguments, analyzes, examples, and other information.
Conclusion: final stage; it summarizes the connection between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the governing concept of the paragraph. For longer paragraphs, you may want to include a bridge sentence introducing the next section or section of the paper. In some cases, the sentence of the bridge may be written in the form of a question. However, use this smart device a bit, otherwise, completing most sections with a question to lead to the next level sounds a bit daunting.
NOTE: This standard layout does not mean you should not be creative in your writing. Editing when each element fits into a category can make the paper engaging for the reader. However, don't get too creative in trying out the narrative flow of stages. Doing so may jeopardize the central issues of your research and limit the quality of your academic writing.
2. Development and Organization
Before you begin to figure out what the composition of a particular role is going to be, you have to look at what the most important concept you are trying to convey to your student. This is a "controlling concept," or thesis statement in which you name the remainder of the paragraph. In other words, your paragraphs should remind your reader that there is a general relationship between your control concept and the information at each stage. The research problem serves as the seed from which your paper, and your ideas, will grow. The whole process of stage development is a work-in-progress progression from seed theory to full-scale research where there is a direct, family-friendly relationship on paper between all of your control ideas and the stages they come from.
The decision of what to include in your classes begins with a guess as to how you want to pursue the research problem. There are many mind-blowing techniques but, no matter what you choose, this phase of development can never be overstated because it lays the groundwork for creating a set of paragraphs [representing your page section] that describes a particular aspect of your overall analysis. Each section is described further in this writing guide.
Given these things, every article on a page should be:
• Unified - All sentences in one paragraph should be accompanied by a single control point [usually expressed in paragraph heading].
• Obviously related to the research problem — All sentences should refer to the central idea, or thesis, of the paper.
• Coherent - Sentences should be organized correctly and should follow a detailed development plan.
• Well-Developed - All the ideas discussed in the section should be adequately explained and supported by evidence and data that work together to explain the concept that governs the section.
There are many different ways you can organize a category. However, the organization you choose will depend on the regulatory vision of the sector. Methods of classification in academic writing include:
• Narrative: Tell a story. Go in chronological order, from beginning to end.
• Descriptive: Provide specific information about how something looks or feels. Sort by location, chronological, or topic.
• Procedure: Explain step by step how the object works. Maybe you are following in order - first, second, and third.
• Classification: Divide into groups or describe different parts of a topic.
• Illustrative: Give examples and explain how those examples prove your point.
Information Design
Information and data are all around us. Everything we do collects data.
For example, our devices are constantly collecting data about how we shop, communicate, what we like to do, how our health is, and what our life, in general, is like.
Information design takes on an important role in this flow of data and information. Information design can be described as a way of putting together chunks of relevant information to make it easy to understand for users.
Information design is often visual, but can also be sensory. Some types are even physically interactive through sound and smell. The best examples also take accessibility into account.
Types of Information Designs
The different types of information design can be separated into different categories. Below are a few.
Let’s take a quick look at a few examples.
Encyclopedias and Yellow Pages
Before the internet, encyclopedias were the best way to find information about anything, fast. Just how the Yellow Pages were the best for finding businesses in your area. Both of these are examples of searchable information design in a print format.
Search Engines
Our digital, online equivalent of encyclopedias and yellow pages are search engines like Google, Bing, Yandex, etc.
Infographics
The first thing that comes to find for most people when they hear information design is infographics. These are visualizations that include a chosen set of data with a purpose.
Websites
Every single website is an example of information design.
They’re larger than an infographic but smaller than a search engine. The print equivalent of a website would be a brochure or catalog.
Manuals
The manuals that come with new appliances might not be the prettiest but they’re still considered information design. IKEA and Apple manuals on the other hand are highly visual and emotive examples.
Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are another example of information design. They are moving infographics that tell a story plus incite the viewer to act.
Way-finding Visuals
Way-finding is the term that applies to all types of information design which helps people find their way. From Google maps to subway diagrams, any visualization that helps a user find a place on a map is also considered in this category.
Museum Exhibits
Every exhibit in a museum, especially the information panel, is considered information design. Examples of these range from a simple text panel to an interactive display. A highly sensorial example are the hands-on science and discovery museums for children
Bullet Journals
A bullet journal is a daily agenda that people can personalize to their liking. Every single bullet journal is different but their purpose is the same; tracking a person’s activities throughout the year. Bullet journals are personal information design projects.
Writing for Print
Although print-based media is considered the predecessor of digital media, it should not be seen as less effective or less relevant. Its simplicity and immediacy -- the qualities that might make you post notices for a lost pet on posts around the neighborhood rather than on the internet -- keep it a valuable tool even today.
The potential of print-based media to affect change in communities cut off from technology is self-evident; but even within communities with abundant access to technology, it can be very effective as either a complement or an alternative to a digital media campaign. Advances in software have made the production and distribution of print-based media (using digital means) more accessible than ever before to activists on a tight budget.
Importance of Print Based Media
The printed word has not lost its ability to motivate and spur to action – but its power gets diluted in the sea of words online. Using print-based media can be a chance to take your campaign back to the street. Print communication can radically amplify your message, often for very little cost and effort.
A printed t-shirt worn in the right place at the right time, or eye-catching stickers, can make a bold statement. A monthly newsletter, created with your key audiences in mind, can be an excellent way to invite the participation of your community at a grassroots level. Other formats include posters, flyers, magazines, stickers and brochures for physical distribution.
Techniques for Writing for Print Media
Below are some methods for writing content for printed media:
Inverted Pyramid
Printed media typically follows the inverted pyramid model, in which the most pertinent information is placed at the top of the article. The less important a detail is, the farther down it is placed. The most engaging or crucial information must be placed in a manner so that it is immediately obvious to readers, who might browse headlines and leads to determine which articles they want to read. This style is most common in straight news stories. In long-form journalism and lengthy feature articles, on the other hand, writers might focus more on creating a piece that’s engaging and holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end.
The Five Ws and H
All print media must answer the five questions, commonly referred to as the five Ws and H. This is short for who, what, where, when, why and how. For example, a report about a bank robbery would include a description of what happened, where the bank was located, when the robbery took place, who the suspect is, how much money he stole, and the means the robber used.
Simple Language
Because it’s written for a mass audience, a pared down style of writing that will appeal to the greatest number of people. For example, print journalists use adjectives and adverbs sparingly, focusing instead on simple sentences with powerful nouns and verbs. Also, they use as few words as possible to get their points across. Because space is often limited, they must focus only on the most relevant information. You might think a description of the person’s outfit or office are interesting, but unless you’re writing a personality profile this information will likely detract from the core message of the article.
Narrative Structure
Depending upon the requirement, printed media often has a storytelling component, in which an account is related in a linear fashion. The purpose is to convey information and give readers a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Content for the Internet, on the other hand, might instead focus on actionable content, such as telling readers the top five ways to clean tarnished silver. Similarly, a piece for TV or radio might not recount events from beginning to end, instead focusing on action the viewer or listener must take, such as avoiding a certain stretch of highway that’s backed up due to a traffic accident.
Writing for Online Media
Channels and Devices for Online Media
With online media, there is a vast availability of devices and channels that readers can use to access online content. Almost any device with internet access (such as smart phones, tablets, eReaders, laptops and computers) can be used to read digital content. These devices have different screen sizes and proportions, meaning that content will be displayed differently depending on which device it is viewed on.
Apart from these devices, there are also a number of accessibility options with various applications for those who have hearing, seeing or learning disabilities. Many readers have voice-over technologies which provides dictations of the written content, and many devices support braille readers such as audio-books. Font sizes and type, plus screen colors and brightness, can be adjusted to suit different needs. While designing, the content and layout of every web-page should be curated with these accessibility tools in mind.
It is also significant to understand that the content written for a web page will be published in multiple channels. Many online users use RSS feeds, which monitor sites and deliver summarized text and metadata to various outputs such as a feed reader or even the user’s personal email. Digital content can also be shared via social media platforms. The variety of channels means that it is especially important that the metadata (such as tags, heading and summaries) and images of a webpage accurately represent the content and appeal to readers who may be viewing the content out with the actual website.
Techniques for writing digital content
When online media is concerned, the expectations, motives and habits of readers are always different than printed content. Therefore, it is crucial that writers must know these differences which will allow them to write clearly and effectively for an online audience.
Below are the three main areas that web writers need to focus on when writing online content:
Structure
The structure (including layout and headings) of a webpage plays an important part in its search engine optimization (SEO) and reader appeal. Search engines, such as Google, only view a webpage in terms of its headings, subheadings and keywords. Make sure your headings are meaningful and accurately reflect your content in order to increase SEO.
The structure should be easily scannable. Only 11% of users read a webpage line by line, according to recent studies. In fact, users often look at webpages in a vague F-shaped pattern, searching for indications that a webpage contains the information they are looking for. Once again, your headings need to be clear and meaningful, and your content should be organized with the most important information near the top, moving towards more niche topics near the bottom.
Content
A study shows that it takes readers 25% longer to read text online than in print; and on average, readers will only read the first 20% of a webpage containing more than 600 words. What this means is that writers need to make their content as concise as possible. Get to the main point, and get to it quickly. Use the active voice whenever possible to make your content clear and concise.
Ask yourself if any of your information would be better on a different webpage, or if the content could be broken down into a concise bulleted list. Bullets are a great way to break up large chunks of text, and are easy for readers to scan through.
Accessibility
When writing for the web, writers need to make sure their content is accessible to everyone. As mentioned before, there are many different technologies, devices, and viewing channels that can assist for reading online content.
One of the most important aspects of designing online content is to make sure your layout, language and content are accessible. For example, a screen reader will read “3:00pm” as “Three zero p m”, which is confusing and time-consuming. By writing “3pm” instead, you will make the text much more accessible.
With the variety of different applications and devices out there, it is important to remember that a web page on a laptop/computer will display accordingly on a smart phone. It is for this reason the use of tables, whenever possible, should be avoided because they can often cause accessibility problems when the screen size changes.
Conclusion
Reading and writing digitally is very different from print. Web writers need to keep in mind that their readers are looking for specific information and have short attention spans. Therefore, online content needs to be scannable, accessible and concise.
References:
1. David F. Beer and David McMurrey, Guide to writing as an Engineer, John Willey. New York, 2004
2. Diane Hacker, Pocket Style Manual, Bedford Publication, New York, 2003. (ISBN 0312406843)
3. Shiv Khera, You Can Win, Macmillan Books, New York, 2003.
4. Raman Sharma, Technical Communications, Oxford Publication, London, 2004.
5. Dale Jungk, Applied Writing for Technicians, McGraw Hill, New York, 2004. (ISBN: 07828357-4)
6. Sharma, R. and Mohan, K. Business Correspondence and Report Writing, TMH New Delhi 2002.
7. Xebec, Presentation Book, TMH New Delhi, 2000. (ISBN 0402213)
