Re: Usage of second person or third person when writing procedures

[TDean -at- envirosys -dot- com]

I have wrestled with this several times. My technical writing instincts
tell me to always use active voice; however, active voice is not always the
best choice in certain contexts of software manuals (not sure what
documents you are setting standards for).  I use active voice in the meat
(the
actual instructions) of my manuals.  In chapter introductions and
sections that are dedicated to the purpose of a function (i.e., screen,
field, or report),
my employers feel more comfortable with passive voice. If we all had
complete authority over our documents, we all would do things a bit
differently, but that is another story altogether!!

In my last style guide from my previous job, I encouraged the writer to use
active voice if it was appropriate.

 I hope this helps!

Tina Dean

> Need a little help.  Our style guide is almost finished but have
> conflicting source references as to second or third person usage.  When
> writing instructions, use the implied second or third person?
> Example...Eat dinner before eating dessert or Dinner should be eaten
before
>
> dessert.  Does anyone know which is correct when writing procedures?



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