2. Technical Definitions
Describe and define new products and
services
Introduce new information to reader
in clear and effective ways
Allow experts and specialists to
communicate with a more generalized
audience
3. Planning for Audience (p. 453)
Identify stakeholders
Determine the amount and kind
of technical language or jargon to
use
Acknowledge differences in
language
4. Planning for Problem
& Purpose (p. 454)
Explanatory Definitions
To explain a concept, thing, or idea to readers
Operational Definitions
To enable audiences to engage in an activity or
operation
Deliberative Definitions
To clarify the meanings of terms, ideas, and concepts
6. Short Definitions
Are typically only a sentence or two to
provide meaning for the reader
Are usually categorical, placing the
term in a category of similar terms
May provide descriptions of use or
other distinguishing characteristics of
the term
7. Parenthetical Definitions
Are typically only a sentence or two to
provide meaning for the reader
Are usually categorical, placing the
term in a category of similar terms
May provide descriptions of use or
other distinguishing characteristics of
the term
8. Extended Definitions
May use the different kinds of
definitions outlined earlier, like
descriptions or visuals
Exist in lengthier texts where
audiences need detailed
information
10. Researching Definitions
Is often necessary to construct
definitions that deal with
unfamiliar ideas and concepts
Produces more accurate and
effective definitions
11. Drafting Definitions
Includes putting together an initial definition
and placing it in the context of the document
Involves fitting the definition into the scope
of the document
This is harder than it seems – where does it
fit and how? Where would you put this so it
made sense for your audience and purpose?
13. Kinds of Definitions
Definitions that describe
Definitions that compare and contrast
Definitions that classify
Definitions that provide examples
Definitions that illustrate with visuals
14. Definitions that Describe
Often work by describing what something looks like, feels
like, sounds like, or smells like
Often appeal to the readers’ visual senses by describing
size, shape, and appearance
Often describe what the thing does, how it is used, and to
what purpose
15. Definitions that Describe
Example:
Aielron:
A small, slender, hinged section on the outer portion of a
wing, used to control an aircraft’s rolling and banking
movements. Ailerons usually work in opposition: as the
left aileron is deflected upward, the right is deflected
downward, and vice versa.
16. Definitions that Compare &
Contrast
Give similarities or differences between subjects
Often compare or contrast something unfamiliar with
something the audience knows
Provide a frame of reference by giving context
17. Definitions that Compare &
Contrast
Example:
Flash Drive:
A small, lightweight, portable Universal Serial Bus (USB)
device that allows users to store, carry, and transfer
programs and files, much like the older 3.5-inch floppy
disk. The flash drive, however, differs from the older
floppy disks; it is much smaller (only 70 mm long, 30 mm
wide, and about 11 mm in height) and more durable and
contains no internal moving parts.
18. Definitions that Classify
Categorize a term within a larger group in order to provide
a context or association
Can be problematic because not everyone agrees on the
meaning of particular categories
19. Definitions that Classify
Example:
Someone writing a field guide to birds and animals in
Texas could safely assume that many people would not
know what an ocelot is.
However, if the writer begins by defining an ocelot as a
kind of wildcat, much of the mystery of the term
disappears because most if not all readers can identify a
wildcat.
20. Definitions that Provide Examples
Provide a clear-cut and familiar example of the thing or
concept being defined
Should use examples familiar to the audience
Frequently clarify abstract terms
21. Definitions that Provide Examples
Example:
Sports car might be defined as vehicles with sleek body
styles, superior acceleration, little cargo space, and so
forth.
While such a definition would be useful, any definition of
sports car would benefit by providing specific examples:
Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, or Porsche 911, for
example.
22. Definitions that Illustrate
with Visuals
Give readers visual prompts to give clear and quick
understanding
Benefit the reader by including a picture in addition to a
written definition
Help explain concepts that one cannot actually see with
the naked eye
25. Ethics in Technical Definitions
Be aware of how definitions can potentially mislead,
confuse, or cause danger or harm.
Ensure that readers have all the information necessary to
use the product safely.
Rely on correct, unbiased information to help audiences
make decisions.
26. Ethics in Technical Definitions
Full Disclosure
Writers have not omitted any information that an
audience needs to comprehend the term
Appropriate Style
Select a style that should be clearly grasped by the
target audience
27. Common Mistakes
Circular Definitions
Using the term in defining it
Synonyms
Using a similar term gives no useful information
Not User-Oriented
Failing to take the users’ or audiences’ knowledge,
background, and needs into account
29. Steps:
Identify the topic of your technical definition
Identify your audience
Identify purpose of definition (explanatory,
operational, deliberative)
Select the type of combination of types of definitions
that will work best for your topic, audience, and
purpose.
Research your topic
Draft and Revise (pg 458)