A Concise Guide to Technical Communication, Second Edition (Paperback)

~ Laura J. Gurak (Author), John M. Lannon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The book takes a situational approach, emphasizing issues of audience, purpose, and task. In addition, it is the first Technical Communication text which acknowledges that most technical communication today is electronic—whether it be Web sites, CD–ROM help files, or e–mail reports, today's technical communicators work more in the new media than in the old ones. The Concise Guide offers a seamless connection between the new and old worlds of technical communication. Offering a critical look at communication technologies in relation to technical communication, this text is designed for a broad range of undergraduate classes. Includes concise coverage and examples of how to create and design successful technical print and electronic documents including proposals, instructions, specifications, documentation, procedures, reports, and memos. Also includes cutting edge coverage of such issues as ethics, copyright, plagiarism, usability, page design and visual communication.This book is for any professional who wants a concise guide to becoming a better communicator in the technical professions.

From the Back Cover

The book takes a situational approach, emphasizing issues of audience, purpose, and task. In addition, it is the first Technical Communication text which acknowledges that most technical communication today is electronic—whether it be Web sites, CD–ROM help files, or e–mail reports, today's technical communicators work more in the new media than in the old ones. The Concise Guide offers a seamless connection between the new and old worlds of technical communication. Offering a critical look at communication technologies in relation to technical communication, this text is designed for a broad range of undergraduate classes. Includes concise coverage and examples of how to create and design successful technical print and electronic documents including proposals, instructions, specifications, documentation, procedures, reports, and memos. Also includes cutting edge coverage of such issues as ethics, copyright, plagiarism, usability, page design and visual communication.This book is for any professional who wants a concise guide to becoming a better communicator in the technical professions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 2 edition (July 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321146158
• ISBN-13: 978-0321146151
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #860,965 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Updated Edition Needed!, October 4, 2005

By	R. Reynolds "The Prof" (Wayne, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've used this textbook in my technical communication classes since it was first published. The text is concisely written with plenty of examples and exercises to help students understand practical online and hardcopy applications used in technical writing. However, the text edition needs to be updated. Since September 2004 I've had to heavily supplement my classes with writing applications that apply to current industry standards. My students do not know the difference, but I do. A new edition is in order! I'm planning to switch to another textbook if a newer edition is not available for September 2006.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reference Book, January 9, 2008

By	Ellen White (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Concise Guide to Technical Communication(3rd Edition) (Paperback)

Our professor chose this book not only because of its content, but also for its relatively inexpensive price. It was a great textbook: concise, easy to read and comprehend, and gave some excellent examples. If you are a technical writing student or even a practicing technical writer, I would recommend this book. I will not sell my copy. It's a keeper, and I believe I'll be referring to it for years to come.

5.0 out of 5 stars English class book, March 19, 2009

By	R. Unwin - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Concise Guide to Technical Communication(3rd Edition) (Paperback)

This was required reading for my English class. A very concise book that is a great refresher for someone who has been out of school for 16 years!