Communication

Continnum
Components in Technical
Writing
Do's and Don'ts in
Technical Writing
SUBMITTED TO:
MR. BRYAN O. NOVIO

SUBMITTED BY:
NICA ANGELA LINGGANAY

MENCHIE CUATOR

LEA MAE COPIA

BSED 2-ENGLISH

I. ACTIVITY
"BUILD ME THEN PLAY ME"
We divided the class into 2 groups and each group will have 5 representative.
We prepare paper and 2 folder that will use in a game. The Mechanics of the
game, first they need to read and understand the manual to make a paper
boat after making that boat they will put it on the floot and tap the board or
folder on the floor to move the paper boat. The first team who succcessfully
get all participants arounf the chair and back WINS and they will receive +5
recitation and the defeated team will receive +3 recitation and to the
members of the representative will receive +2
II. ANALYSIS
Manual are one of examples in technical writing by reading and
understanding the manual it will guide user how things work and instruct
them how things are actually made.

II. OBJECTIVES
a. To know and understand the meaning of communication continuum,

b. To know the modes of communication continuum in technical writing.

c. To know the five components of technical writing and its importance

d. To familiarize students with the key principles of effective technical
writing and the common pitfalls to avoid.

III. ABSTRACT
Some basic terms to know
Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that aims to convey complex information
clearly, concisely, and effectively to a specific audience. Whether you're writing user manuals,
software documentation, scientific reports, or any other technical document, adhering to
established best practices is crucial for creating high-quality, reader-friendly content. This guide
outlines essential do's and don'ts to help you elevate your technical writing skills.

Communication

-the act of transferring information from one place to another person or group.Every
communication involves at least one sender, message and a recipient.

Continuum
 -from a Latin word"continuous"or"continuous".It is a continuous extent,succession or
whole,no part of which can be distinguished from neighborhood regions except by arbitrary division.

Communication continuum

-a helpful tool to categorize the relations in our lives as well to understand the type of
communication we used in that relatively.

Level of communication

1. Intrapersonal communication-communicates within themselves.

2. Interpersonal communication-exchange of information,ideas and feeling between 2 or

more people

3. Group communication-small group consist of three or more people who share common
goal

4. Cultural communication-is the practice and study of how different cultures communicate
with their community by verbal and non verbal means.

Communication continuum in technical writing refers to the range of communication methods and
channels used to convey technical information to diverse audience.

Modes of communication in technical writing

1. Formal technical writing-includes detailed reports,users manuals and scientific research

paper

2. User-focused communication-includes instructional guides,online tutorials and FAQs.

3. Interactive communication-include online furoms,chatbots or interactive help system.

FIVE COMPONENTS OF TECHNICAL WRITING

1.) Development

Technical writing requires a logical method of development that will

give shapeand structure to the document being write.Development
help us sort out information and shape paragraphs or essays.

They can help organizean outline, or depending on the purpose

they can determine the form that a paper will take.Remember
that most paper will use a combination of methods, working together
in function ofeach other.

Development is how writers chose to elaborate their main idea.Details

bring our ideas to life. A conversation without details is like a
blank canvas, plain andlacking color until the painter arrives. Writers
who develop their ideas usually do a better job ofkeeping their
readers' attention and gaining their readers' trust. To develop your
ideas, you'll need to know what types of development you should use
with your particular audience and focus. With this information, you can
then present convincing details to your readers.

2.) Grammar

Incorrect Grammar Can Distort Your Meaning. As we have already

established, incorrect grammar can make texts difficult to read but it
cando even more than that. It can distort the meaning entirely.Thank
you for your donation! You have helped someone. Get a job.Although
grammatically correct, the meaning of the sign has been entirely
changed by asingle period.Thank you for your donation! You have
helped someone get a job.

Good Grammar Increases Credibility . This is really important if you are

writing for a business and need to stand out from thecrowd.If a
potential buyer reads two ads for similar products, one with perfect
grammar and theother peppered with mistakes, which one would they
be more likely to purchase?If a business publishes work containing
grammatical errors, it gives the impression that theydo not care about
details. This makes them look unprofessional which does not reflect
wellon their product.

3.) Organization
 Clear organization of ideas is essential to the success of any writing
project.Formal report or an effective presentation.Good organization is
achieved by: Outlining using a logical and an appropriate method of
development that suits your subject,your technical writing it should be
(almost, always) concise, precise, direct and well organized.

4.)Style

In technical writing it should be (almost, always) concise, precise,

direct and well organized.

Why PRECISE?

1.Statements are verifiable.

2. Statements are specific and meaningful.

3. Descriptors are quantified whenever possible.

4.Word choice accurately represents the level of certainty.

5.) Document Design

Document Design refers to the physical layout of the correspondence.

It uses highlighting techniques and graphics for visual appeal to help
the reader access and understand the data.

• Five main elements of document design

Typeface- Correctly formatting your text is important when it comes to

the overall look and feel of yourdocument, but also when it comes to
readability.
 Visuals- Are used to grab the reader's attention and support
the text. One or two can enhance themeaning of your
document, but too many will make it look cluttered.

Graphics- Are used to draw attention to or separate certain areas of

your document. If used sparingly theycan create a more orderly
professional-looking document.

Color- Color is important tool because it can be used to make the

reader feel a certain way aboutsomething, and also to give greater
visual weight to certain elements in your document.

White space- white space has also been shown to improve readability
and comprehension if a reader has aneasier time taking in your
content, they will be more likely to continue reading.

Do's:
1. Understand Your Audience:

Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it's imperative to understand your target
audience. Consider their:

- Purpose for Reading: What are they hoping to achieve by reading your document? Are they
seeking instructions, troubleshooting tips, or in-depth knowledge?

- Preferred Learning Style: Some prefer visual aids, while others prefer concise text. Consider
incorporating a mix of formats to cater to diverse learning styles.

2. Create an outline
Before you begin the process of writing the document, you should begin by creating an
outline. This helps you think through the content and what you want to include and also
ensures it's laid out in a manner that's functional and logical.

3. Choose a Clear and Concise Writing Style:

Technical writing prioritizes clarity and conciseness. Avoid jargon, complex sentence structures, and
unnecessary words.

- Use Active Voice: Active voice makes writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of
"The report was written by the team," write "The team wrote the report."

- Avoid Redundancy: Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases that add no value to the content.

4. Structure Your Document for Readability:

A well-structured document enhances readability and comprehension.

- Use Headings and Subheadings: Divide your document into logical sections with descriptive
headings and subheadings.

- Employ Lists and Tables: Lists and tables effectively organize information, making it easier to scan
and digest.

- Include Visual Aids: Images, diagrams, and charts can clarify complex concepts and enhance
engagement.

5. Ensure Accuracy and Consistency:

Technical writing demands accuracy and consistency.

- Fact-Check Carefully: Verify all facts, figures, and data sources to ensure accuracy.

- Maintain Consistency in Terminology: Use consistent terminology throughout the document to

avoid confusion.

- Proofread Thoroughly: Proofread your work carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and
punctuation.

6. Get Feedback and Review:

Seeking feedback from peers, colleagues, or subject matter experts can help identify areas for
improvement.

- Incorporate Feedback: Take feedback constructively and incorporate relevant suggestions into
your writing.

- Review and Revise: Review and revise your document before finalizing and publishing it.

7.Keep language simple

Writers should primarily use active voice in technical documents. Technical writing should also
prioritize a thorough understanding of the subject matter over word count. Language should be
simple and to the point.

Don'ts:
1. Avoid Jargon and Technical Terms:

While technical writing often involves specialized vocabulary, avoid using jargon that your audience
may not understand. If you must use technical terms, define them clearly the first time they appear.

2. Don't Assume Prior Knowledge:

Assume your readers have no prior knowledge of the topic. Explain concepts clearly and thoroughly,
even if they seem basic.

3. Don't Be Too Formal or Informal:

Maintain a professional and objective tone. Avoid overly casual language or slang.

4. Don't Use Filler Words:

Filler words like "just," "really," and "very" add no value to your writing. Eliminate them to make
your writing more concise.

5. Don't Rush the Writing Process:

Technical writing requires time and effort. Don't rush the process, as this can lead to errors and
inconsistencies.

6. Don't Plagiarize:

Plagiarism is a serious academic and professional offense. Always cite your sources appropriately
and ensure that your work is original.

REFERENCES:
https://creativesoncall.com/insights/10-technical-writing-tips-every-writer-know/
https://agilityportal.io/blog/understanding-communication-continuum

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/colegio-de-dagupan/bsed-major-in-english/5-
components-of-technical-writing/37775965
https://www.scribd.com/document/647077385/Communication-Continuum-2