Determine if a technical report is organized logically based on the content, the purpose, and how readers will use the information. Examine the report’s sequence and arrangement of sections based on cause and effect, chronology, or the importance of the subject. This video explores the primacy and recency of content and how information should be grouped together.
- [Instructor] One of the keys to any…well-written business document is organization.…Analyzing the reader is important,…collecting the data must be done,…but only if a technical report is organized logically,…will it meet the readers' needs.…All sections, main and sub,…must be arranged in a logical sequence.…Whichever sequence you choose will be logical to you,…but it must also be logical to the reader,…it must flow to show the reader…that the arrangement is logical,…and helps the reader know…where to locate specific information.…
Most technical reports follow the generic IMRaD pattern,…the acronym for Introduction, Methods,…Results, and Discussion.…Of course, companies and organizations may decide…to adjust the pattern to fit their specific need or purpose.…The introduction has subcomponents,…most likely they will include the subject, purpose,…main point, significance of the study,…and any necessary background information.…Next, the methods section will include the overall approach,…the materials, the steps in the research process,…
Author
Judy Steiner-Williams
Released
11/11/2016Lynda.com is a PMI Registered Education Provider. This course qualifies for professional development units (PDUs). To view the activity and PDU details for this course, click here.
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- Identify the purpose and main point of a report.
- Determine which questions should be asked before writing a technical report.
- Recall the six ethical principles identified by the Society of Technical Writers.
- List three groups of readers that could be the audience for a technical report.
- Examine the technical audience.
- Explain when it is appropriate to use generic headings.
- Recognize the best approach for writing a first draft.
- Name three areas of a report that should be assessed during the revision process.
- Review the best strategies for keeping your writing concise.
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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What you should know2m 8s
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Exercise files1m 16s
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1. Overview
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2. Analyze Audience Characteristics
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Evaluate audience needs3m 41s
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3. Writing Process
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The importance of planning4m 46s
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Develop a final outline6m 13s
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How to write a first draft3m 44s
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Proofreading strategies5m 17s
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4. Sections of a Technical Report
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Plan and write the abstract4m 13s
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How to prepare appendices5m 14s
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5. Mechanical Elements
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Consider language formality4m 35s
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How to be concise6m 43s
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Conclusion
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Next steps2m 29s
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Video: The organization and structure of a report