1 / 11

Strategies for Formal Reports in Technical Communication

This analysis chapter explores strategies for writing effective formal reports in technical communication. It covers topics such as analytical problems, comparative analysis, causal analysis, feasibility analysis, and elements of effective formal reports. Additional help can be found on the companion website.

bchristine
Download Presentation

Strategies for Formal Reports in Technical Communication

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Analysis Chapter 16 Formal Reports Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace Laura J. Gurak John M. Lannon

  2. Formal Reports • Address situations that require critical thinking and research to arrive at a conclusion. • Often end with an action plan.

  3. Typical Analytical Problems Causal analysis • Why does X happen? Comparative analysis • Is X or Y better for our purpose? Feasibility analysis • Is this a good idea? Combinations of the above

  4. Guidelines for Comparative Analysis • Compare based on clear and definite criteria. • Treat each point equally. • Use credible examples to support and clarify. • Compare using a block pattern or point-by-point pattern. • Order your points for greatest emphasis. • Make your final judge based on the criteria presented.

  5. Guidelines for Causal Analysis • Be sure the cause fits the effect. • Make the links between effect and cause clear. • Clearly distinguish between possible, probable, and definite causes.

  6. Guidelines for Feasibility Analysis • Consider the strength of supporting reasons. • Consider the strength of opposing reasons. • Recommend a realistic course of action.

  7. Elements of Effective Formal Reports • Accurate, appropriate, and clearly interpreted data • Clearly identified purpose statement • Understandable structure • Readable style • Audience-centered visuals • User-friendly design

  8. Parts of Formal Reports • Letter of Transmittal • Front Matter • Title Page • Table of Contents • List of Tables and Figures • Abstract or Executive Summary

  9. Parts of Formal Reports (cont.) • Text of the Report • Introduction • Body • Conclusion

  10. Parts of Formal Reports (cont.) • End matter • References or Works Cited List • Glossary (as needed) • Appendices (as needed)

  11. Any Questions? For additional help reviewing this chapter, please visit the Companion Website for your text at http://www.pearsonhighered.com/gurak.

More Related