Improving Scientific Voice in the Science Communication Center at UT Knoxville

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2013

Improving Scientific Voice in the Science Communication Center at UT Knoxville

Russel Hirst University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Abstract

Many science students believe that scientific writing is most impressive (and most professionally acceptable) when impersonal, dense, complex, and packed with jargon. In particular, they have the idea that legitimate scientific writing must suppress the subjectivity of the human voice. But science students can mature into excellent writers whose voices are clear, interesting, unburdensome, efficient, and accurate. To do this, they must abandon their ponderous scientific voices and use techniques that produce good style. When I teach for the Science Communication Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I focus on helping students improve their scientific voice. I use workshop-style instruction, review of student writing, tutorial staff, and free online tutorials that I have developed. This article meditates upon the nature of good scientific voice as it analyzes examples of student writing to show improvements made through specific stylistic techniques.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2013-10-01
DOI: 10.2190/tw.43.4.e
Open Access: Closed
Topics: scientific writing multilingual writers voice and style

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

Hirst (2016)

Bonding With the Nuclear Industry

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (2)

Hirst (2003)

Scientific Jargon, Good and Bad

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Hirst (1996)

The Value of Faculty Internships in Technical Communication

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Also cites 1 work outside this index ↓

10.1111/j.0030-1299.2007.15674.x

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