Techniques of Developing Forecasting Statements

Journal of Business and Technical Communication Jul 1993

Techniques of Developing Forecasting Statements

MIKE MARKEL

Abstract

Although the research has clearly established that reading comprehension improves when the writer forecasts the discussion in an introductory or transitional passage, technical writing textbooks offer little guidance on how to construct effective forecasts. The most common pattern, in which the items to be discussed are listed, is boring and can leave unanswered some critical questions that can prevent the reader from paying full attention. This article describes techniques, based on four of the journalistic prompts (what, where, why, and how), that can help writers create contexts for their readers, thereby improving readers' comprehension and enlisting them in the creation of the discourse.

Journal: Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published: 1993-07-01
DOI: 10.1177/1050651993007003004
Open Access: Closed
Topics: technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

Markel (1993)

Induction, Social Constructionism, and the Form of the Science Paper

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (2)

Selzer (1982)

Certain Cohesion Elements and the Readability of Technical Paragraphs

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Beaugrande (1978)

Communication in Technical Writing

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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