1. Procedure Description
Procedure: Events that produce a predictable outcome
Examples: Requesting vacation days, manufacturing an engine part, discipline for sexual harassment, balancing a checkbook
A procedure description informs by helping the reader understand what happens or what should happen.

2. Instructions Different from a procedure description
Instructions inform by explaining how to perform a procedure
Examples: product manuals, assembly instructions, “how-to” instructions, assignments
Instructions also persuade readers. How?

3. Instructions
General Instructions—instructions that explain how to perform a generic procedure
Specific Instructions—instructions that explain how to perform a procedure under conditions involving particular equipment, surroundings, or other such variables
Trimming a hedge vs. using a 22-inch Craftsman Bushwacker electric hedge trimmer
Changing a tire vs. changing a tire on a 2012 Toyota Corolla

4. Instructions: Components
Brief introduction explaining the purpose and importance of the procedure
List of materials, equipment, tools, and skills required
Actual instructions: numbered, step-by-step, detailed explanation of how to perform the procedure
Typically, one or more visuals for clarification
Brief conclusion, if needed.

5. Instructions: Guidelines
Use short, simple commands that start with a verb.
Avoid “recipe shorthand” that omits small words such as a, an, and the.
Separate steps unless closely related or simultaneous.
Try to avoid more than about nine steps at a time.
Use subdivisions for complicated or long steps

6. Example: http://www.ehow.com/how_2258249_make-ladder-golf-game.html
3. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the center of the pipes with the open end of the T-connector facing up. Do this again to make a second piece. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors. This is the base that will support the ladder form.

7. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the center of the pipes with the open end of the T-connector facing up.
Repeat this step to make a second piece.
Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors. NOTE: This is the base that will support the ladder form.

8. Make the base of the ladder form.
a. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the center of the pipes with the open end of the T-connector facing up.
b. Repeat this step to make a second piece.
c. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors.

9. Instructions: Avoiding Liability
Note, caution, warning, and danger
Note—alerts to information that will make the procedure easier or more efficient (Blue)
Caution—alerts to risk of equipment failure or damage (Yellow)
Warning—alerts to possible equipment damage, serious injury, or death (Orange)
Danger—alerts to probable serious injury or death (Red)
ANSI (American National Standard Institute) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

10. Usability Testing
Testing the effectiveness of a document (such as instructions) based on readers’ use of the document
Is the document useful? Does it enable users to do what they need to do?
Result: Writers can improve the document based on user needs and experiences.

11. Guiding Principles
The users (readers) drive what is “right” for instructions.
What is clear to the writer may not be clear to the users.
Be open to input and suggestions and resist the temptation to argue the point.
Evaluate the input and suggestions and revise as needed.