Technical Communication Today

by Richard Johnson-Sheehan

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book.

For courses in Technical Communication.

 

Fully centralizes the computer in the technical workplace, presenting how writers use computers throughout their communication process.  

The networked computer, from smartphone to mainframe, has become the central hub of written, spoken, and visual communication in today’s scientific and technical workplace. Firmly rooted in core rhetorical principles, Technical Communication Today presents computers as thinking tools that powerfully influence how we develop, produce, design, and deliver technical documents and presentations. This popular text helps communicators draft and design documents, prepare material for print and web publication, and make oral presentations. Speaking to today's readers, the narrative is “chunked,” so that readable portions of text are combined with graphics and can be “raided” by readers seeking the information they need.

 

Retaining these features, the 6th Edition of Technical Communication Today also marks an important shift to drawing readers’ attention to the centralization of innovation and entrepreneurship in the technical workplace. Revised chapters, new case studies, and new exercises and projects demonstrate that those who know how to write clearly, speak persuasively, and design functional and attractive texts will be the most likely to succeed in today’s innovation-based and entrepreneurial workplace.

 

Technical Communication Today, 6th Edition is also available via Revel™, an interactive learning environment that enables students to read, practice, and study in one continuous experience. Learn more.

Genres: Textbooks, Writing, Nonfiction, College, Teaching, School, Reference

706 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2011

Reviews

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an earlier version of this book back in 2011 so I understood and remembered a lot that was mentioned throughout the chapters. Still it was an informative read and I was able to use it to study for one of my short semester class. Would definitely recommend it to another person interested in an English or Technical Communication major or minor.

This book is a 3.75 rating for me but I'm conflicted about my star rating. A part of me wanted to keep the rating of 4 stars from the previous book since nothing really changed from last time except a new cover, some updated examples, and a few different graphics throughout the chapters. Still since I didn't learn anything new I have to give this book a 3 star rating.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved all of the graphics and lists in this book. I would buy it from the renter, but the book is over $200 - and that's the starting price. If anybody has a used copy they wouldn't mind selling (hopefully for less than $200), please DM me! This book was so hopeful, and one day I plan to have a copy of it on my shelf.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the most informative textbooks I have used. The graphics and examples included were so helpful as I learned how to structure different types of documents. I'm new to writing business documents like proposals, emails, and reports, so I benefited greatly from the level of detail in this book. The sections are also very clearly labeled. It's a well-designed textbook!
I think this is a very useful book for people who are learning how to put business documents together.

[Cecilia Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the fact that it explained about different technological items now available in the marketplace. and how to use them . it was very easy to understand . I know anyone who is not computer literate can easily read this book and be accurately informed and find this book helpful in their everyday life.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

No new information here. Also, a lot of repeated info which could have been omitted.

[Ashly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Text for Technical Communication

[Liaken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in a clear style; it is well-laid out; its content is relevant, current, timely. The case studies are interesting and help students to see the ethical issues they will encounter in their field of work. The revision challenges are well-designed to give excellent learning to the students. Technology and cultural considerations are fully addressed in this text.

Very good text.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't say this very often, but this is a very good textbook. Informative, organized, and just the right amount of information for my students. Lots of good example documents and a diverse enough group that students aren't tempted to be derivative in their own doc design. One chapter that could use some work is the one on presentations. Nancy Duarte wouldn't be too happy about the half measures taken there, but it's an easy one to supplement.

[Jessica Blevins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is why I haven't read much lately...been teaching a university course on technical writing...the textbooks is ok...pretty repetitive...I wish it delved into some topics a little more deeply.

[Linda Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to the field of technical writing/communications. It is used as the textbook for the University of California/San Diego's extension course Technical Communications I.

[Xilks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fuck this book. Fuck it to hell. I hated this book. It's informative, yeah sure. But I had to read it for a class. I hated the class. I will NEVER read this. I will NEVER recommend this to anyone. This is the more boring shit ever.

[Diane Familia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth keeping after you have finished reading it. It is very informative in that it explains what your reader's wants are in certain reports. I think it's a great intro textbook.

[Wysterria · Rating 2 out of 5]

So very glad this technical writing class is almost over! I totally could have done without the books for this class. Luckily I will be getting a decent amount when I sell them back.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a class text. I will be keeping it as a good reference for technical writing projects in the future.

[Mourad Hope]

good

[Allyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative, but it seems to go on and on. It is also very repetitive (each chapter repeats its content at least twice), which makes it harder to read.