I find that STE rule 2.1 extremely useful in technical documentation to avoid ambiguity. Rule 3.6 is one of my favorites because you need to master well syntax and language to always avoid passive voice. It was a good excercise, thanks Shumin for this interesting and challenging topic!
Master's student, TCLoc for Technical Communication & Localisation University of Strasbourg
STE Rule 1.3 Use approved words only with their approved meaning is my go-to rule. My favourite STE verbs are “examine”, “measure” and “make sure”. I always use the non-approved verbs of “check” and “inspect” before. I highly recommend this course to other people. If most people write with STE, technical work steps will become clearer and easier for understanding.
Kevin Zhao Kai Vibration Analyst, Maersk Drilling
As advisor to her ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English on-the job-training, Shumin adopts a very structured approach to learning. She observes, absorbs and analyses to come up with relevant and insightful questions as well as ideas regarding the subject matter and improved ASD-STE100 training methods.
Shumin is a very driven and highly intelligent professional who works very well either independently or as part of a team. She has strong analytical skills and expresses herself very well both verbally and in writing. Her sense of responsibility and passion about achieving the set objectives while meeting and exceeding clients' expectations is very inspiring and is a great asset to the company and its customers alike.
Frans Wijma, PhD ILS expert, trainer & consultant, Shufra Ltd
Frans was both consultant and trainer to my authoring team as we developed a version of STE specifically targeted for the information technology sector. His tremendous experience in the field and passion for conferring that knowledge to our writers was instrumental in our success in adapting the authoring process as well as the documentation itself. In the long run, controlled authoring initiatives are only as good as the writers themselves and the enthusiasm with which they adopt the changed working environment. I believe Frans was critical in assisting with the cultural reformation of my team. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Karen Toast Conger Director, Product Training & Publications, WatchGuard Technologies Inc.
I love how you can apply the concept of STE to many industries whether or not you choose to work as a technical writer. Shumin was very clear in her instructions and it's too bad I could never catch up on time to review her entire courses and pose questions "in real time". The rules concerning the technical verbs and names + the categories for the different exceptions makes STE a very flexible standard that responds to the needs of specific users.
TCLoc Master in Technical Comunication & Localisation 2018 University of Strasbourg
This ASD-STE100 training course helped me better appreciate the objectives of Simplified Technical English from a technical writer's perspective. I like the fact that STE promotes the use of less complex sentence structures and does away with unnecessary words like: would, should, and might. The exercises in this course are certainly helped overcome my learning curve. STE should be the standard for any technical content written. Shumin comes across as a highly experienced STE trainer. I will recommend this STE training workshop to my colleagues!
Bert Riemens, Technical Author/ Document Management Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding
Rules about noun clusters (no more than 3 words, use of hypens and use of articles/demonstrative adjectives) and sentences (use of short sentences with a max. of 20 words without contractions and write only one instruction per sentence, but also use of vertical lists and connecting words) are definitely my favourite ones!
The first session with you was interesting and carried out well!
Overall, however, you did a very good job, rescheduling the assignment until we finished the TCTrainNet course, and I enjoyed attending your live meetings!
Master's student, TCLoc Programme University of Strasbourg
Shumin gave us a an all-rounded presentation to Simplified Technical English. Personally, rule 1.3: To use only approved words with their approved meaning holds the key to successful controlled language implementation. Rules 3.4, 3.6, 4.1, 5.3, and 5.5 are also among my favourites. The approved verb TO MAKE SURE THAT can come in very handy for technical writers as well. The presentation of STE rules offers quite a detailed overview that includes not only language rules but good, old technical authoring principles in general. It has been very helpful for us to learn and understand the concept of STE. I have found Shumin to be very competent in STE and will defnitely recommend her course!
Eric, Head of Corporate Technical Documentation (CTD) Schindler
My favorite STE writing rules:
* Rule 1.9 and Rule 1.10
When you must select a technical name, use one which is short and easy to understand. Both rules ensure a better understanding of technical contents.
* Rule 3.6
Do not use a past participle with a helping verb to make a complex verb. Past tenses may be adequate for marketing texts due to stylistic reasons, but not for technical contents, where precision and clarity play a major role.
* Rule 5.1
Keep procedural sentences as short as possible. The description of procedures in technical manuals has to be as simple as possible to avoid confusing the reader.
TCLoc Master's Student University of Strasbourg
Frans has demonstrated that he is an expert in restricted languages and in particular ASD Simplified Technical English (STE). He has given successful presentations on the subject at S1000D User Forums that were very well received. He is an expert in developing systems that check conformance to restricted English standards.
Mike Day Business Advisor, Rolls-Royce Defense Aerospace
