Articles>Writing>Rhetoric>Minimalism http://tc.eserver.org/dir/Articles/Writing/Rhetoric/Minimalism A listing of the most recently indexed works about Articles and Writing and Rhetoric and Minimalism in the field of technical communication (and technical writing). en-us Copyright (c) 2005-08 by the EServer. All rights reserved. tclib-editorial@eserver.org (TC Library Editorial Board) webmaster@eserver.org (Geoffrey Sauer) http://tc.eserver.org/images/newlogo.gif Articles>Writing>Rhetoric>Minimalism http://tc.eserver.org/dir/Articles/Writing/Rhetoric/Minimalism Fixing the Flaws in the Ten Principles of Clear Writing http://tc.eserver.org/31672.html http://tc.eserver.org/31672.html More importantly, most lists of ten principles of clear writing are not really principles at all, but rather tips and technique. Understanding why you are doing something, i.e., the benefit you will gain, helps ensure that you will actually do it and do it consistently. Too often, when we are told only what to do, we follow the instruction half-heartedly, inconsistently, or not at all. Politics and the English Language http://tc.eserver.org/31610.html http://tc.eserver.org/31610.html If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation, even among people who should and do know better. To Draw and Hold Readers' Attention, Apply a Hollywood Technique http://tc.eserver.org/30734.html http://tc.eserver.org/30734.html Find the one thing you want people to remember as you write a posting for a Web page, a subject line for an e-mail or a headline for a newsletter. To Be or Not To Be http://tc.eserver.org/30600.html http://tc.eserver.org/30600.html During this workshop, To Be or Not To Be, the workshop presenters demonstrate how getting rid of the verb 'to be' increases accuracy, clarity and effectiveness in verbal communication. E-Prime originated in the field of general semantics; it consists of the English language, but excludes all forms of the verb 'to be.' Practitioners in the field of general semantics have developed a number of techniques that promote clear understanding of communication in the world around us. The workshop presenters strive to create an environment for participants to learn the philosophical background and practical application of the English language subset known as E-Prime. Advocating Plain Language: Thom Haller Discusses The Need For Clarity http://tc.eserver.org/30200.html http://tc.eserver.org/30200.html Plain language is clear, concise, and straightforward presentation of information. It is professional content structured to eliminate ambiguity and confusion in technical, government, and legal documents. Plain language allows readers to fully comprehend complex regulations, practices and instructions by requiring the language of bureaucracy to reflect the language of everyday speech. Clear as Mud: The Plot Thickens http://tc.eserver.org/27733.html http://tc.eserver.org/27733.html A lot of the time, management-speak simply seems ridiculous. But campaigners for plain English say there is a more serious side to the issue. What is Plain English? http://tc.eserver.org/27739.html http://tc.eserver.org/27739.html Over the last two decades, a ‘culture of clarity’ has been gaining ground in many large organisations around the English-speaking world. In the United Kingdom, government departments, banks, insurance companies, local councils and others have come to realise that clear communication is actually a good idea. Instead of writing to impress or confuse, they are now writing to inform and explain. They are using plain English to do this. The Great Myth That Plain Language Is Not Precise http://tc.eserver.org/25992.html http://tc.eserver.org/25992.html Occasionally, when you try to convert from legalese to plain language, someone will come forward and assert that you made a mistake. You missed something in the translation. You inadvertently changed the substance. Writing Reader-Friendly Documents http://tc.eserver.org/26002.html http://tc.eserver.org/26002.html The traditional way of writing government documents has not worked well. Too often, complicated and jargon filled documents have resulted in frustration, lawsuits, and a lack of trust between citizens and their government. To overcome this legacy, we have a great responsibility to communicate clearly. How To Write Well http://tc.eserver.org/23917.html http://tc.eserver.org/23917.html The phrase 'Plain English' (although widely used) is a little misleading. It is nothing to do with the English language as such. The principles outlined here apply to writing in any language. A more accurate expression is 'plain language'. Plain Language: What Is It? http://tc.eserver.org/23916.html http://tc.eserver.org/23916.html When you reach out to your readers, you show that you have considered who they are and what they need to know. Communicate a concern for your readers' needs so they will be receptive to your message. Effective Writing, or Tips on How to Write English 'Gooder' http://tc.eserver.org/23672.html http://tc.eserver.org/23672.html Some quick tips toward a clearer, more lucid, meaningful,…well, you know what I mean. Clear Writing: Ten Principles of Clear Statement http://tc.eserver.org/20916.html http://tc.eserver.org/20916.html If you want to test the clearness of your writing, you may wish to consider using a 'fog index.' Fog indexes measure the complexity of writing samples, and often provide a means of calculating the reading or educational level required to understand a particular passage. Some fog indexes are available as computer software programs, or you may do the calculations yourself.