Technical Instructions: Working Points

1. Technical Instructions: Working Points Introduction Warnings, Cautions, and Notes Numbering the Steps Using a Graphic Aid Providing a Conclusion

2. Technical Instructions • Key points to consider when writing instructions: • 1. Provide an introduction with all appropriate information (see Reep, p. 239). • 2. Warnings, Cautions, and Notes • Use redundant warnings, cautions, and notes, placing them first at the end of the introduction and second just above the step where they are relevant. • Associate appropriate symbols with warnings, cautions, and notes. • When possible, use appropriate color in conjunction with warnings, cautions, and notes. • Within the numbered steps, highlight the warnings, cautions, and notes, by indenting them somewhat at both the left and right, thus distinguishing them from the text for the steps. • 3. Numbering the Steps • Most instructions follow the format known as the “numbered steps” format. • Be sure that the number for each step is isolated at the left margin of the page and that no part of the written instructions is directly under the number.

3. Technical Instructions Additional key points to consider when writing instructions: Use the imperative mood for all steps in the process. 4. Include an appropriate graphic aid with the instructions. Some figures that increase the value of instructions are flowcharts, photographs, drawings, and exploded diagrams. Place a box around any graphic aid that is used. Label the graphic aid at the bottom, beginning with “Figure 1” and following with a statement as to the subject of the figures. 5.In the conclusion mention the benefits of performing the process correctly or summarize the results that should be obtained if the process is performed correctly.