Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 1974

Fictional Techniques in Technical Writing

Richard S. Ruch Kettering University ; Jan C. Robbins Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Abstract

Technical papers should be constructed as coherent wholes, using those organizational, stylistic, and informational devices necessary to communicate their intended message to the intended audience. Since messages and audience vary tremendously, so also must techniques of technical writing. The technical writer will find that techniques normally associated with the writing of fiction, including creation of hypothetical situations, composite characters, invented dialogue, and dramatic story lines, aid greatly in achieving improved technical communication.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1974-04-01
DOI
10.2190/y8rk-72ab-40py-hcrc
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Topics
technical communication
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References (3)

  1. Macrorie Ken, Telling Writing, p. 66, Hayden, N.Y., 1970.
     ↗
  2. Macrorie, pp. 66–67.
  3. Larsen Otto N., Violence and the Mass Media, p. 14, Harper and Row, N.Y., 1968.
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