Best STE rules for my learning are:
- Use simple verb tenses
- Put commands first in warnings and cautions
- Use active voice
- Do not use present participles or gerund.
TCLoc Master's Student University of Strasbourg
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
The introduction was a good and concise way to familiarize yourself with STE basics. I’ve a background in plain language, so for example the rule on noun clusters makes perfect sense. I’m all about simplification, so substituting verbs like “eliminate” for verbs like “remove” or “stop” will be my new quest. The STE exercises were helpful in getting to grasp with STE during the training workshop. I'd very likely recommend this course to anyone planning to introduce STE as it’s got a great practical angle.
Jenni Virtaluoto, PhD Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Simplified Technical English is an important topic for our industry. I've enjoyed learning about all the rules of STE summarised into bite-sized information over the course of 2 training days. The quality of this training has been exceptional!
Andreas Herter, Technical Trainer Schindler
Shumin is a supportive and approachable manager, colleague and friend. She possesses excellent linguistic, communication and presentation skills. She is able to communicate well and is eloquent on the international platform and is able to exercise professional inter-cultural sensitivities.
Dennis Yeo Learning Advocate, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
The introduction to the ASD-STE100 gave me a nice and clear overview of what to expect in the two training days that followed. Consistent language and spelling in STE are the rules I like best. The list of approved and unapproved verbs was a nice surprise for me. Shumin gave a highly practical STE training using relevant and pragmatic examples that relate closely to our field of work.
Maikel Kornuit Technical Writer, Triview
I have a great pleasure to work with Shumin Chen on a number of complex technical translation projects. She is very talented, efficient and dependable, making sure to meet and exceed the customer's expectations.
Anouar Koutchoukali Owner, A Propos Vertaalbureau
Frans gave our group of three teams training in Simplified Technical English. He was engaging as a speaker and really made the 2-day training enjoyable and worthwhile. I didn't think we all could use the new ways of writing and thinking that he was teaching, but everyone got on board right away. We continue to use the skills that Frans taught us, with the same type of enthusiasm he brought to the group during training. This was probably the best training I've had at Check Point, in either technical or professional subjects. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Rochelle Fisher Team Leader, Check Point Software Technologies
The ASD-STE100 workshop conducted by Shufrans TechDocs made for a very good introduction to STE for new as well as intermediate users of the STE writing standard. The presentation on rules was very clear and I liked the emphasis on the fact that the rules are weighted and how one can use them flexibly. The exercises completed during this training were good and provided real world examples in technical writing in a practical way. I'd very likely recommend this course to someone else. This course is a must for any new technical writers or technical publication employees.
Neil Winson Technical Writer, Airbus Helicopters
Keep doing what you’re doing - it’s a good subject and a very helpful class! I like the list of approved words. This could really help clarify and harmonize the writing in an organization. My other favourite STE rule being: Do not write noun clusters of more than 3 nouns. It helps when reading and writing texts also outside of STE.
TCLoc Master's Programme Student University of Strasbourg
