The term rule-based writing defies a single definition. During a panel discussion at the latest tcworld conference in India, it became clear that the term has a different meaning for each technical writer. In addition, many seem to view the enabling technologies as intrusive and hampering their writing style. This article is a result of the discordant voices and opinions and suggests a single definition for rule-based writing.
The communication process
The typical communication process involves two participants: The sender and the receiver. It is the sender who determines the message to be conveyed, the form of communication, and the medium of communication. The receiver receives the message, interprets it, uses the information as required, and may provide feedback to the sender.
Given that the sender determines what and how to communicate, it is the sender who controls the communication process and so has to ensure its success. Therefore, the sender has to clearly define the message, its purpose and the intended audience. This will help the sender to create a message that contains the relevant information in a form that will be easily understood by the receiver and transmit the message using the appropriate channels.
Isn’t this exactly what we as technical communicators do? Technical communicators help ...
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