Commentary: Question your Assumptions

Abstract

This article cautions technical writers to be aware of assumptions in their research and writing and suggests a pragmatic incentive for being aware of assumptions. Asserting that our weaknesses are merely our strengths turned inside out by altered circumstances, it compares the power of properly used assumptions with their weakness when improperly used. Its narrative style emphasizes its point with an extended dance metaphor and illustrative examples. “Inspired by the new assumptions, both parties join into a dance of every shifting awareness. Partners in this dance cue each other by tuning in on and accepting the other's assumptions. When the dance starts, communication flows and assumptions begin again. …”