Technical Communication Quarterly Jun 1992

Narration and knowledge in direct solicitations

Nancy Roundy Blyler Iowa State University

Abstract

Although narration has been recognized as a complex mode of discourse, its role in professional communication has not been widely studied. This article examines narration in one form of professional communication—direct solicitations— and links narration to an important research issue: the social construction of knowledge, or the social justification of belief, through language. The direct solicitations are described, and the role of narration in justifying belief socially, for direct solicitations, is then discussed by examining narration and analysis as two means for organizing and expressing experience. The interweaving of these two means in direct solicitations is illustrated, but finally the importance of the narrational over the analytic in giving shape and significance to experience is asserted. Thus, the central role narratives play in justifying belief socially, for direct solicitations is described. Three sample narratives from three direct _ solicitations illustrate this discussion.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
1992-06-01
DOI
10.1080/10572259209359506
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
discourse analysis professional writing
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Smart et al. (2017)
    “Someone Just Like Me”: Narrative, Figured World, and Uptake in Therapeutic Boo…
    Written Communication
  2. Spears (2002)
    Persuasive Techniques Used in Fundraising Messages
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Madaus (1997)
    Women's Role in Creating the Field of Health and Safety Communication
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. BLYLER (1996)
    Narrative and Research in Professional Communication
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  5. BLYLER (1995)
    Pedagogy and Social Action: A Role for Narrative in Professional Communication
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Show all 6 →
  1. Westmoreland (1995)
    A semiotic perspective on the technical and professional writing assignment
    Technical Communication Quarterly

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CrossRef global citation count: 8 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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