TECHNICAL DEFINITION TECHNICAL DEFINITION EXPLAINING TERMS TO YOUR AUDIENCE

Introduction Definition and purpose Types and locations of definitions Format for definitions Topic handout Professional example Definition exercise

Definition and Purpose Definition : –Explains the meaning or denotation of an unfamiliar word or phrase –Acts as entire focus of a report, or clarification of an object, process, or concept in a larger report.

Types of Definitions Parenthetical: a word or phrase definition immediately following the term –Ex. Summit Books announced its intention to create a new colophon (emblem or trademark). Form: definition may appear in parentheses, in a phrase, or in a dependent clause –Ex. People often choose to have roofs of slate, the metamorphic rock formed from shale or volcanic ash.

Types of Definitions 2 Sentence: term to be defined, the class the term belongs to, the features that distinguish the term from other members of that class. –Term Brief –Class: category term belongs to Legal document –Distinguishing features: differences between term and other terms in that category All facts and points of law pertinent to a case Ex. A brief is a legal document that contains all the facts and points of law pertinent to a case.

Types of Definitions 3 Expanded/extended: –A fully detailed definition that gives the audience a complete picture of the term being defined – Formal sentence definition plus support from expansion techniques appropriate to the report’s purpose to teach readers an entire concept rather than just a meaning.

Locations of Definitions In the text: for reports without glossaries and for audiences who need information immediately In footnotes/endnotes: for definitions whose inclusion would disrupt the flow of the report In a glossary: for reports that have 5 or more terms to define

Format for Expanded Definitions Headings for each section Sections: –Audience/purpose –Introduction –Expansion techniques (3 minimum) –Conclusion (optional)

Format for Expanded Definitions 2 Audience/purpose –1-2 sentence explanation of audience’s identity and reason for presenting them with this report Introduction –Sentence definition + background information or first expansion technique

Format for Expanded Definitions 3 Expansion techniques –Etymology: origin/history of term –List of parts: discussion of all parts of term –Graphics: picture or diagram of term –Example: explanation of term’s uses –Operating principle: explanation of how term works

Format for Expanded Definitions 4 Expansion techniques –Process: directions for using the term –Comparison/contrast: examining term that is similar and familiar to audience –Classification: discussion of category that term belongs to –Negation: explanation of what term is not

Topic Handout Guidelines

Professional Example Scabies

Definition Exercise Definition Exercise Definition Exercise Instructions Send exercise to me via the Blackboard Discussion Board.