Tag: Technical writing

Instructions Need a Dénouement, Too

Instructions Need a Dénouement, Too

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

If your job is to create instructions for a product user, plot it out, and don’t skip the dénouement!

Unfamiliar with the term “dénouement?” In literature, the term refers to the ultimate outcome or explanation of a plotline. Literally, in Middle French (its origin), it means to “untie” or “unravel.”

What does all this have to do with writing instructions? If your instructions are taking a user on a journey through a set of tasks (think Campbell’s hero’s journey here), then I urge you to “unravel” the expected outcome of their journey for them – and help them to know they are on the right path along the way. Here’s how.

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7 Definitions of Content Strategy (in 16 Years)

7 Definitions of Content Strategy (in 16 Years)

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

As a content strategist, I focus on the internal structures that support and deliver your organization’s key communications. That framework includes a content model, content development processes and governance, content reuse, metadata and SEO, analytics, and other methodologies that enable your content to be effective, efficient, useful, and scalable. Read more →

5 Intersects of Content Strategy and Project Management (Part 2)

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

Developing the work focus and/or the work plan during development also proves to be common ground for both the project manager and the content strategist. Read more →