Technical Communication (5th Edition)

Rebecca E. Burnett.

Orlando: Harcourt College Publishers, 2001. xx+736pp., User hand book, Index ISBN 0-15-506448-7

The ability to communicate effectively is the cornerstone of a civilized people. The ability to do so in writing is the fabric of noteworthy expression that determines the personal and professional destiny of the society. Rebecca E. Burnett's fifth edition of her Technical Communication is a virtual compendium of how tos, for those who aspire to be technically accurate writers and superlative communicators. Burnett, Professor of Rhetoric and Professional Communications, as well as Director of Advanced Writing at Iowa State University, blends the latest in information technology with current work place practices, theory and application, continuing research, and helpful pedagogy for university educators.

The text is presented in five pans. Part One," Understanding the Communicator's Work, " defines the subject matter, explains the writing process, identifies readership, outlines properly executed documents, and finishes with collaboration model in the workplace. The opening section identifies key elements of the technical communicator's work. Part Two," Developing the Communicator's Tools," Discusses research methodology, organization of information, effective design, and visual aids. Part Three, "Understanding the Communicator's Strategies," elaborates on creating definitions, clarifying descriptions, outlining process explanation, and ensuring usability through testing, revising and editing. Part Four, "Completing Documents," instructs the reader in effective ways to compose correspondence (letters, memos, and e-mails), instruction manuals, proposals, and report writing. This section will help any one develop a better style in personal professional correspondence. Part Five," Creating a professional Image," explains how to create an effective oral presentation and finishes with career concerns, such as designing resumes and portfolios. The last section is clearly geared towards the students' needs to present them selves in the work place environment. The "Usage HandBook " forms a useful appendix about proper word usage, punctuation, and sentence structure.

For aspiring writers and working professionals, Burnett's Technical communication has much strength. First, the professional reputation of the author is well established. Burnett is not just another college professor trying to sell books. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the journal of business and technical communication and has worked as communication consultant for many companies. Second, this is the fifth edition of Technical communication--a fact which indicates that this text is widely accepted in the academic and professional communities and has been for some time. Third, subject matter of this type can, and often will be, boring to some; but Burnett has used a great degree of creative and imagination to present the material -for example, her innovative use of intertext, practicums, and ethics sidebars. Finally, the recognition and employment of information technology, particularly the internet, throughout the text broadens the appeal for students and practitioner alike.

If a significant weakness exists in this text, the fact escapes me. Nonetheless technology creates constant change, and workplace material is often out of date by the time it reaches the average user. To solve this dilemma, perhaps an electronic version could be offered, with automatic updated delivered by subscription.

Students, educators, and practitioners will find Burnett's Technical communication highly readable and extremely useful. The various changes in this edition have added challenging flavor to otherwise dry subject matter and provided the reader a ready reference for everyday usage. Would -be technical communicators will rejoice in the fact that technical communication blends well with emerging information and internet technology to diversify the field. I intend to use this text as a reference book alongside my dictionary and thesaurus.

Reviewed by Mark A. Puffpaff, 14027 Louise Drive Apartment 5, Hammound, LA 70403-7660, USA, Puff@i-55.com.