2. PROFESSIONAL STYLE
In the previous chapter, we defined technical writing as a “transactional” and primarily “problem-solving” genre and described some of the key conventions and considerations technical writers must keep in mind. In this chapter, we will look more deeply into the style of writing expected of this genre.
Chapter 2 Learning Objectives
2.1 Reader-Centered Writing: Understand how to take a reader-centred approach (rather than a writer-centred one) that focuses on knowing your audience and writing specifically to meet their needs.
2.2 Communicating with Precision: Review and practice techniques to make your writing more precise and concise.
2.3 Writing to Persuade: Understand how to use rhetoric in a professional context, avoiding logical fallacies and inappropriate marketing language.
2.4 The Importance of Verbs: Recognize how to choose strong verbs as the “engines” that drive efficient and effective sentences; revise passages to improve concision and flow.
For review of grammar basics, see Appendix E: Sentence Structure and Appendix F: Punctuation Rules.
To start off, complete the exercise below.
EXERCISE 2.1 Describe some differences between writing for school vs. writing for work
| Writing for School | Writing for Work | |
| Purpose | ||
| Audience | ||
| Content | ||
| Document Life Span | ||
| Liability | ||
| Format & Design Elements | ||
| Writing Style |
What key differences do you note between the two writing contexts? What do you think accounts for those differences?
