The motivated sequence is a strategy which, by allowing the writer to organize ideas in a pattern corresponding to the stages inherent in the natural thought processes, can help improve technical communication. It is especially valuable in documents that are an intrinsic part of the decision making procedure, as is the case with the Environmental Impact Statement. This article explains the motivated sequence and, using the Environmental Impact Statement as an example, demonstrates how its use can improve technical communication.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
National Environmental Policy Act: Proposed Regulations for Implementing Procedural Provisions, Federal Register, 43: 112, Part II, p. 25233, June 9, 1978.
2.
Council on Environmental Quality: Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements: Guidelines, Federal Register, 38: 147, Part II, pp. 20553–20554, August 1, 1973.
3.
National Environmental Policy Act: Proposed Regulations for Implementing Procedural Provisions, Federal Register, 43: 112, Part II, pp. 25237–25238, June 9, 1978.
