This text investigates how professional communicators can apply rhetorical principles to the creation of effective visual documents in workplace environments. Authors Charles Kostelnick and David Roberts, both established educators in technical communication, argue that visual design should be treated with the same analytical rigor as written text. By framing design as a communicative act, the authors provide a framework that links visual choices directly to audience expectations, organizational purpose, and situational context.

The text is regarded as a foundational resource for students and practitioners seeking to bridge the gap between traditional writing and visual design. Its focus on rhetorical theory provides a structured, academic approach to the practical challenges of professional document creation.