Personality in Scientific and Technical Writing

Abstract

Textbooks describing scientific or technical writing as “impartial” or “objective” are too restrictive. As advances in the history of science have familiarized us with the importance of the human element in science, so the human element must also be given its due in writing in the area. Our students will often be engaged in communication that involves adaptation for an audience relatively unfamiliar with the subject being presented, and they must be aware that the personal touch can arouse interest and sharpen awareness and understanding. History can serve as a source of writing models that successfully use the personal touch.