Chapter 4: Using a Technical Writing Style
Chapter Learning Objectives
In this chapter you will
- examine reader-centred writing;
- define the choices that contribute to a professional tone;
- explore the 7Cs and their use in a technical writing style;
- identify how sentence length and precision impact your writing; and
- understand the varying levels of formality in technical writing.
Chapter Overview
Among the most important skills in communication is to adjust your style according to the audience. You would speak differently to a project manager compared with how you would speak to a long-time co-worker who has also become a friend. In each case, these audiences have certain expectations about your style of communication.
This chapter reviews those style choices and focuses on how we can ensure the message of our technical writing is clearly and effectively communicated to our audience.
