Parenthetical definitions are often synonyms
Circular definitions help clarify technical concepts
Expanded definitions always belong in report appendices
Abstract and general terms (condominium, loan, partnership) often call for
a) parenthetical definition
(b) sentence definition,
(c) expanded definition,
(d) all of these
Definitions should be
(a) judgmental,
(b) engaging,
(c) impressionistic,
(d) eclectic,
(e) precise.
The specific strategies of expansion you choose will depend on
(a) the amount of space in your report,
(b) the needs of your audience,
(c) the information you have,
(d) the time you have,
(e) none of these
Working definitions often are stated as
(a) parenthetical definitions,
(b) sentence definitions,
(c) expanded definitions,
(d) eclectic definitions,
If your report has many parenthetical or sentence definitions, place them
(a) in the introduction,
(b) in a glossary,
c) at appropriate places throughout the discussion, (d) in an index, or (e) in the informative abstract.
List the three parts of a sentence definition
term
class
distinguishing feature
Besides etymology, history, and background, list three strategies for expanding definitions.
negation,examples
visuals,analysis
compassion or contrast
operating principle
special conditions
The main purpose of technical description is to stimulate consumer interest in products.
Words such as impressive, new, improved, large, and better often are seen in technical descriptions
Specifications should be as complex as possible
“Phlebotomy specimen” is a more precise and descriptive way of saying “blood.”
Visual elements are used to reinforce prose definitions.
Situations for technical marketing materials include
(a) on-site visits,
(b) Web information,
(c) cold calls,
(d) display booths,
(e) all of these.
The most precise technical descriptions are
(a) creative, (b) vividly subjective,
(c) visionary, or (e) all of these
(d) objective,
The details you select for a description will depend on all these elements except
(a) your purpose,
(b) the intended use of the description,
(c) your personal preferences,
(d) your user’s information needs,
(e) your writing situation.
Besides “What is it?”, list three reader questions that typically are answered by a technical description
What does it do?
What does it look like
What is it made of?
how does it work?
Besides a spatial sequence, list two possible sequences for describing an item
Functional
and chronological
The impromptu delivery is usually effective for a formal report
Webinars are viewed at the attendee's convenience.
You should use as many visuals as possible during your talk.
Presentation visuals are most effective when they are simple and relevant
If necessary during your talk, liven things up with clever digressions
Before giving your talk, you should carefully rehearse
Generally, the most effective way of presenting an oral report is to
(a) read it aloud,
(b) use extemporaneous delivery,
(c) repeat it from memory,
(d) give an oration,
(e) none of these.
To keep your audience’s attention, aim for a maximum delivery time of
(a) 20 minutes,
(b) 30 minutes,
(c) 40 minutes,
(d) 10 minutes, or (e) any of these
To be sure you stay on track during your presentation, prepare beforehand
(a) a topic outline,
(b) a sentence outline,
(c) a numbered list of key words,
(d) a verbatim script of the entire presentation,
(e) cue cards.
A good strategy for connecting with your audience is
(a) an occasional anecdote,
(b) a rich array of jokes,
(c) an authoritarian tone,
(d) eye contact,
(e) well-timed digressions
