Frank R. Smith Award

11 May 2011

Technical Communication, the Society’s journal, publishes articles about the practical application of technical communication theory and serves as a common arena for discussion by practitioners. Technical Communication includes both quantitative and qualitative research while showcasing the work of some of the field’s most noteworthy writers.

The Frank R. Smith outstanding journal article award recognizes the authors of exceptional articles that appeared in Technical Communication during a calendar year. Since 1966, STC has paid tribute to the authors whose contributions have made Technical Communication one of the most highly respected journals devoted to the arts and sciences of technical communication.

Judges base their decisions on the article’s content and form. Content is judged on the degree to which it represents contributions to new knowledge, new perspectives, or practical communication applications or techniques. Form is judged by the degree to which it embodies effective and appropriate organization; apt language and correct grammar; relevant and meaningful tables and illustrations; and spirit of vibrancy, intensity, conviction, or enthusiasm in transmitting information.

2012 Honoree for Outstanding Article

HENK PANDER MAAT and LEO LENTZ, for their article, "Using Sorting Data to Evaluate Text Structure: An Evidence-based Proposal for Restructuring Patient Information Leaflets," in the August 2011 issue of Technical Communication.

Citation: The Pander Maat and Lentz article is an exemplary piece of research that addresses several important questions about genre conventions, reader expectations, and research methodology.  It is well written, demonstrates thorough analysis, and uses statistical methods to prove significance. It illustrates how quantitative research methods can be applied to important communication problems, challenges regulations in favor of user-centered design, and is immediately useful to practitioners.

2012 Honoree for Distinguished Article

LUC DESNOYERS for his article, "Toward a Taxonomy of Visuals in Science Communication," in the May 2011 issue of Technical Communication.

Citation: The Desnoyers article is ground-breaking work that addresses a key issue in visual communication that has not received much attention: classifying the wide array of disparate graphical forms used in many different scientific and technical disciplines.The article is well written, provides a broad scholarly perspective on the subject, and proposes an ingenious and comprehensive taxonomy that will enhance our understanding of visuals.

Please consult the guidelines for the complete nomination process.

Who is eligible: Technical Communication authors

Who may nominate: Frank R. Smith Award committee

Due date for nominations: February 2013

Honorees notified: After vote by STC Board of Directors, usually March

Award Presented: At the Honors Banquet at the STC Technical Communication Summit 

Previous winners of the Frank R. Smith Award

Contacts

Frank R. Smith Chair: TBD

Technical Communication Editor: Menno de Jong, PhD