Why Technical Writing?
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In industry, 20-40% of your time will be writing
Career advancement
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People judge by communication skills
Many job profiles requires versatility
(more varied responsibilities)

Definition of Technical Writing
 Different from literary writing and from normal speech
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Normal speech: “I”, “we”
Literary writing: flowery description, quoted speech
Writing with the purpose of communicating a technical idea / process to a specific audience i.e., “Writing to get work done”

Characteristics of Technical Writing
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Targeted to particular readers
Helps solve problems
(e.g., instruction manual)
 Often created collaboratively
 Words + graphics
 Uses design to increase readability
(headings, white space, etc.)
 Involves high-tech tools
(e.g., CAD snapshots, Powerpoint, Photoshop)

Examples of Technical Writing
In House
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Letters, memoranda, e-mail
 Reports (project, progress, trip, etc.)
 Proposals (to manager, to another department)
Out-of-House
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Letters of inquiry, sales, etc.
 Reports (to Client)
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Articles for publication

Technical Writing Process
Planning and
Prewriting
Writing
(drafting)
Revise and
Edit
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Purpose? - Write a draft -Proofread
- Audience? Following the - Finalize
-Research outline
- Outline

Process and Guidelines
Process
 1. Focus on Why
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2. Focus on Readers
3. Accurate Info
4. Outline
Guidelines
 Effective Communication
 Time is $$$

Step One- Focus on WHY
What is the message?
 What do you want audience to do with info?
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Inform
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Request
Instruct
Propose
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Recommend
Persuade
Record
Document Specifications
 Expected format e.g., report, email, memo
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Specified details:
Length
Headings
Spacing
Margin font type/size, etc.

Step Two- Focus on READERS
Who is intended audience?
 Knowledge / ability
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Interest
Write at level of audience e.g., technical, layperson, management, in-house, client, general public

Step Three- Collect Accurate Info
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“Content is still king”
Do research, check facts
Proof-read
Facts v. opinions
Example:
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FACT: The Porsche 911 has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.13, making it one of the fastest cars in its class.
 OPINION: The Porsche 911 is undoubtedly the best car in its class.

Step Four- Create an Outline
Logical Flow
 Generates ideas
 Comprehensive coverage of topic
 Like a Table of
Contents
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Re-arrange as needed
Accessible Document
 Sections /subsections
 Avoid overly long paragraphs
 Use lists (numbered, bulleted, checklist)
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Help skimmers!

In Class Activity
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1) Complete General Project #1 on page 15 in your text.
2) Complete the Area 51 worksheet on Fact v.
Opinion
-Be sure your name and CRN is on your work
-Turn in your work when you are done
-See you next week!