Category Archives: Uncategorized

What Makes an Effective Procedure Writer? (Part 4)

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

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What Makes an Effective Procedures Writer? (Part 3)

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

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What Makes an Effective Procedures Writer? (Part 2)

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

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What Makes an Effective Procedures Writer? (Part 1)

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

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Mr. Procedure’s Three Rules for Procedure Development

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

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Process Shutdown

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

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Procedure sections: Response to Upset Conditions

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

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Operating the Process

With the foundation provided in the introduction, descriptions of equipment and controls, and the set-up steps, the learner is prepared for the actual productive operation of the equipment. In my experience, the operation of the equipment is a surprisingly short … Continue reading

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Setting Up for Success!

We have pushed our learner deeper and deeper into the pool; he or she is now waist deep and ready to try some swimming (dog-paddling, maybe). The remaining sections of the procedure will focus on the activities that must be … Continue reading

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Equipment Controls

The next part of the procedure provides a pivot point in the discussion. With our learner about knee-deep in the learning experience, we will now discuss the equipment controls. With the background established from the description of components, we will … Continue reading

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