The document introduces Reginald Kapp, a professor and engineering consultant who faced challenges due to poor writing skills among students and unhelpful English departments. In 1948, he founded the first professional organization for technical communicators, the ISTC, which aims to promote standards, best practices, and professional development in technical communication. The ISTC continues to provide resources and networking opportunities for professionals in the field today.

1. Welcome!
Ellis Pratt

2. A few words about…
A man called Reg
The ISTC

3. Reginald Kapp
An engineering
consultant
Professor of Electrical
Engineering, University
College London

4. As an engineering consultant
He depended heavily on
information provided by
others
Often, it was badly
presented

5. As a professor
He found a new
difficulty
The poor writing skills of
many students

6. When he sought help
The local department of
English was unhelpful
“The ephemera of
technology were of no
concern to those
devoted to
appreciating the
eternal values of
Literature.”

7. In 1948
He started the first
professional
organisation for
technical
communicators

8. Thanks to Reginald Kapp
The start towards a
move towards a
profession of technical
communicators…

9. Towards a profession
Encouraging the
development of
standards
Encouraging best
practice

10. The ISTC today encourages
Professional
development and
standards
Research resources
Promotion of technical
communication as a
profession
Networking opportunities

11. The ISTC today

12. At the conference

13. Thank you