Let's return now to the implications of our brief definition of technicalcommunication-"writing that aims to get work done" and writing "to empower readers." What do those phrases imply? Technical communicatorscreate documents that aim to help readers act effectively in the situations inwhich they find themselves. Janice Redish, an expert in communication design, explains that "a document... works for its users" in order to help thema

Find what they needUnderstand what they find

Use what they understand appropriately (163).

In order to create a document in which readers can find, understand, and usecontent appropriately, writers need to understand how writing affects readers