TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
On 9/1/94, Grant Davison <GDAVISO -at- C30 -dot- NCEL -dot- NAVY -dot- MIL> lamented:
I am having trouble with my writing style. My boss wants better
transitions between my sentences. However, I am also trying to do two
things: write in the active voice and write short sentences. He
describes my writing as herky-jerky or abrupt.
Grant, if it's any consolation to you, transitions are a killer,
period. I find them difficult; I also recognize them as vital to
keeping the reader reading when the material is difficult, abstract,
or technical. I applaud your goal of active voice and short
sentences; however, I agree that this sentence style can seem abrupt
or choppy. I would suggest that organization of the flow of ideas or
key points would be the most helpful.
