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.
When you are giving an instruction in your documentation, do you first
give the instruction, then identify the need or condition, or do you
identify the need or condition first and follow it with the instruction?
For example, which would you more likely write:
A. To drive a car, first go to the department of transportation and apply
for a driver's license.
B. Go to the department of transportation and apply for a driver's
license before driving a car.
C. To access the reports database, exit the personnel screen and return
to the main menu.
D. Exit the personnel screen and return to the main menu before accessing
the reports database.
