1. Technical Instructions

2. 2 Every manufactured product comes with a short instruction booklet. Common life examples include –Assembling toys –Making noodles –Opening soda cans –And many more ……

3. 3 Written when audience wants to Restore a product Install equipment Manufacture a product Clean a product Maintain a product

4. 4 Criteria for Writing Short Instructions TitleOrganization Audience Recognition GraphicsStyle

5. 5Title Title must contain –The name of the product or service –The purpose of the instruction Bad Example –“Overhead Projector” Good Example –“Operating Instructions for Overhead Projector”

6. 6 Criteria for Writing Short Instructions TitleOrganization Audience Recognition GraphicsStyle

7. 7 Organization IntroductionDiscussionConclusion

8. 8 Organization (Introduction) –Mention the name of the product / service –State the purpose of the instruction –Mention the ease of use of product or its capabilities –Provide the number of steps to help reader plan ahead.

9. 9 Inform reader about required tools and equipments by List Pictures along with lists Organization (Introduction) Things you will need 1.Table Top 2.Screws 3.Screwdriver 4.Table Legs

10. 10 –Preface your instructions with hazard notations –Be careful about the placement of hazard notations Preferably before a step –Use highlighting techniques for emphasis. Vary type face and font size Use white space Colors are assigned to different hazard types Place it within a text box Organization (Introduction)

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13. 13 –Understand the difference between hazard alerts –Note Important Information Blue / black –Caution Potential for damage or destruction Yellow –Warning Potential for serious personal injury Orange –Danger Potential for death Red NOTE Organization (Introduction)

14. 14 Accompany your hazard alert with text having three parts Part One –Hazard Identification (1-2 words) High Voltage Hot Equipment Sharp Objects Organization (Introduction)

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16. 16 Accompany your hazard alert with text having three parts Part Two –Hazard Consequences (3-5 words) Can cause burns Cuts can occur Can lead to data loss Organization (Introduction)

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18. 18 Accompany your hazard alert with text having three parts Part Three –Hazard Avoidance (3-5 words) Wear rubber shoes Wear protective gloves Don’t touch until cool Organization (Introduction)

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20. 20 Organization (Introduction) Accompany your hazard alert with an icon for a global audience Hot Equipment High Voltage

21. 21 Organization IntroductionDiscussionConclusion

22. 22 Organization (Discussion) Itemize and thoroughly discuss each step Organize steps chronologically Avoid distorted sequences –Do step 6, then go back to step 2, then accomplish step 12 ………

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24. 24 Organization IntroductionDiscussionConclusion

25. 25 Organization (Conclusion) Comment about warranties Reiteration of the product’s applications Summary of company credentials and contact information Trouble shooting guide FAQDisclaimers

26. 26 Criteria for Writing Short Instructions TitleOrganization Audience Recognition GraphicsStyle

27. 27 Audience Recognition Do not assume that your reader understands every technology Clarify each step Give thorough assistance to your readers Don’t assume anything. Spell it all out --- clearly and thoroughly.

28. 28 Criteria for Writing Short Instructions TitleOrganization Audience Recognition GraphicsStyle

29. 29 Graphics Clarify your points graphically by using labeled pictures and drawings More helpful to the low tech readers

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31. 31 Criteria for Writing Short Instructions TitleOrganization Audience Recognition GraphicsStyle

32. 32 Style Number your steps instead of bulleting Use highlighting techniques Write short steps to avoid overloading your reader Develop points thoroughly Use short words and phrases Start your step with a verb Personalize text Do not omit articles