Effective communication is vital to science, engineering and business management. This thoroughly updated second edition with a new chapter on the use of computers and word-processors gives clear, practical advice illustrated with real-life examples on how to select, organize and present information in reports, papers and other documents.

Modern technology has changed the process of writing and the methods of producing text, but the electronic revolution has not yet found a way of removing the need for clear and careful thinking during drafting and revising. To be effective, writers must still reflect carefully on their aims, audiences, and contexts, and then make shrewd choices of what to say and how to say it. So most of the advice in this book remains unchanged. We have taken the opportunity to extend the range of topics covered, and to reinforce some sections of the text.

We acknowledge with gratitude the comments sent to us by readers of the first edition. We should welcome feedback on the usefulness and practicality of this extended edition.

Christopher Turk

John Kirkman