Author Archives: Tim James "Mr. Procedure"

To date, we have discussed the tools of effective procedure writing, as referenced in the poll question in the Technical Writing in Action group on LinkedIn. Yes, the ability to write and gather information are critical. Training is very valuable … Continue reading →

The third option in the poll question, “What makes an effective procedure writer?” deals with the mastery (or at least effective use of) procedure development tools. In this regard, I am somewhat less adamant about my position than on the … Continue reading →

In the poll question, one of the options was “technical writing and interview skills.” Today we will discuss interviewing skills, though (in my typical fashion) will broaden the concept. Interviewing skills is a subset of a larger category we can … Continue reading →

Today we continue the discussion based on the poll question noted in the title above. One of the options in the poll is, “Professional procedure writer training.” Will training help one become an effective procedure writer? My answer is yes, … Continue reading →

Last post, we focused on the first aspect of effective procedure writers, knowing the value you (can) bring to the organization. Think of your role in much broader terms than as just the guy or gal who puts words on … Continue reading →

As promised in the last post, I will begin by taking a broad view of the topic. Before anything, we must consider what it is we technical writers contribute to our organizations. In a basic sense, our presence has to … Continue reading →

One great tool for any person in any line of work is LinkedIn. Through the various LinkedIn groups, professionals can support and learn from other like-minded professionals in their chosen fields. I am an active part of two groups, “Technical … Continue reading →

First of all, a Happy Mother’s Day to all moms out there, including my own. For many of us, we would have no faithful blog readers without them! Just a quick note today, something to ponder as I prepare for the … Continue reading →

The last section of the procedure is concerned with bringing the process to its conclusion. Though it seems superfluous, it is important to tell the operator when the task or activity is finished. Before one can describe how to finish and shut … Continue reading →

It is said that almost anyone can operate a process that runs smoothly. It is when the process “goes off the rails,” when something goes wrong, that separates the proficient operator from those less able. As was discussed in a … Continue reading →