Technical Writing:
Real-World Writing
st
in the 21 Century
What’s Technical Writing?
Written communications done on the job, especially in fields
with specialized vocabularies, such as science, engineering,
technology, and the health sciences.
OR
Technical writing is writing that is done for the purpose of
educating, informing or directing someone on how to do
something. Technical writing is significantly different than
other types of writing such as narrative, because technical
writing is intended to impart to the reader some specific skill
or ability. Technical writing isn't for everyone. It is often very
detail-oriented and usually involves writing within fields
where some advanced knowledge is required.
Sub Types
The Goal of Technical Writing
“The goal of technical writing is to enable readers to
use a technology or understand a process or concept.
Because the subject matter is more important than
the writer's voice, technical writing style uses an
objective, not a subjective, tone. The writing style is
direct and utilitarian, emphasizing on exactness and
clarity rather than elegance or allusiveness. A
technical writer uses figurative language only when a
figure of speech would facilitate understanding."
Characteristics of Technical Writing
Technical writing, just as any other form of writing, has certain characteristics
which distinguish it from other types of writing. It is very different from writing
opinion pieces, essays, prose, non-fiction or fiction.
It is clear and straight forward. If you are interested in technical
writing for professional purposes, it is very important to know that
this type of writing require that the writer stick to the subject matter
and relay information in a clear and concise manner.
The language is very direct and straight to the point. The writing will
avoid words that people do not understand and will avoid an
(eloquent)persuasive writing style.
It is very detailed and informative. The perfect example of technical
writing is a textbook. The written contents of most textbooks is geared
to providing information by describing the subject matter as fully as
possible.
It is very structured. This type of writing has a very obvious
composition that makes it easy for the reader to follow along. Solid
structure is needed with technical writing as it allows the audience to
easily access the information as needed.
Uses of Technical Writing
With understanding the characteristics of technical writing, you can
better comprehend how this type of writing is used. Technical writing
is found everywhere. There are a variety of different types of writing
which use a technical style.
For example, instructions of all sorts are a perfect example of
technical writing.
When you open up an instruction manual, as the reader, the goal is
to be informed about the product so that you can use it as
efficiently as possible.
Lab reports are another example of technical writing. The main
purpose of a lab report is to explain the occurrences in a lab so that
others will be able to gain information.
Driving directions can be considered a type of technical writing as
the goal is to clearly and efficiently provide instructions on how to
go from point A to point B.
Overall, technical writing is a very useful form of writing that is
encountered by everyone almost every day.
Many More uses…………………
What do we learn in Technical Writing?
• Action
Plans
• Advertisement
• Agenda
• Audit Report
• Book Review
• Brochure
• Budget
• Business Letter
• Business Plan
• Catalog
• Contract
• Critique
• Data Book or Display
• Description
• Diagram, Chart, or Graph
• Editorial
• Email
• Feasibility Report
• Field Test Report
• Incident Report
• Informational Form
• Informational Poster
• Informative Summary
• Instructions
• Interview Questions
• Itinerary
Types of Technical Writing
There are three main types of technical writing:
•
End-user documentation: This type of writing
includes documents where the writer explains a topic to a
novice so that they can understand technical terms and
apply them in a real-life situation.
Examples of end-user documentation might include:
•
"Blackberry for Dummies" - that teaches you how
to use your new cellular phone and that is written in
order to cater to someone who has never before used a
cell phone or who is not a cell phone expert
•
A manual that comes with a computer
•
A manual that comes with a video game system,
such as the PS3 users guide
•
Traditional technical writing: This is writing that is
geared to an audience already at least somewhat familiar
with a technical field such as engineering or politics.
Examples of traditional technical writing might include:
•
A whitepaper published in an engineering journal
about a new system that has been devised.
•
An article published in a law review that caters to
lawyers
•
An article in a medical journal summarizing an
experiment that has been conducted and written to a
medical audience. For example, articles published in the
New England Journal of Medicine would fall into this
category.
•
Technological marketing communications: This is
writing used in promotional marketing such as fliers and
promotional brochures that would entice a person to
purchase a certain product or service.
These might include:
•
A promotional ad outlining why you would want to
purchase a new computer and explaining the features of
that computer
•
A promotional ad explaining why you would want
to purchase a new cell phone, outlining the phone's
features
•
A promotional ad explaining why you would want
to purchase a new mp3 player and outlining the phone's
features, such as an ad for the Creative Zen Mozaic Mp3
player
Successful Technical Writing
When carrying out a technical writing assignment,
you must remember to follow what is known as the
three ‘Cs’ and ask yourself the following questions:
•
Is it clear?
•
Is it concise?
•
Is it complete?
Because technical writing is so often aimed towards
those who may be unfamiliar with technical jargon
and terminology, it is important that a technical writer
uses clear and unambiguous language in their
assigned piece.
•
If the writing is too full of technical language,
the message may not come across as intended.
•
If the information being written about is
provided in a convoluted and round-about way, the
message is likely to be lost entirely. Straight forward
and to the point is always best.
If a technical writer’s information is incomplete, it
inhibits the audience’s understanding of the topic and
can, in some cases such as instruction and safety
manuals, prove dangerous.
Above all, technical writing needs to be very clear and
concise to be successful.
A.WHAT IS TECHNICAL WRITING ??
• Technical writing is writing that is done for
the purpose of educating, informing or
directing someone on how to do
something.
• It is often very detail-oriented and usually
involves writing within fields where some
advanced knowledge is required.
Spectrum of technical writing
Attributes of technical writing
IMPERSONAL
PERTAINS TO
TECHNICAL
SUBJECT
CONSISE
TECHNICAL
WRITING
SPECIFIC
STYLE &
FORMAT
CITES
OTHERS
CONTRIBUT
-ION
DIRECTED
ARCHIVAL
B. WHAT IS GENERAL WRITING ??
 General writing is a form of writing that is
done for the purpose of expressing thoughts,
emotions, personal experiences of the author.
COMPARISON
TECHNICAL
WRITING
CONTENT
GENERAL WRITING
FACTUAL & STRAIGHTIMAGINATIVE,
FORWARD
STANDARD
STRUCTURED FORMAT
INFORMAL, ARTISTIC
NON-STRUCTURED
FORMAT
TO INFORM &
PERSUADE
TO ENTERTAIN &
CAPTIVATE
OBJECTIVE
SUBJECTIVE
USES 3RD PERSON
USES 1ST PERSON
VOCABULARY REQD.
SPECIALISED
EVOCATIVE
AUDIENCE AVAILABLE
SPECIFIC
GENRAL
ARCHIVABILITY
ARCHIVAL
NON-ARCHIVAL
STYLE
PURPOSE
TONE
VOICE USED
SIMILARITY
 Both writings are used for engaging the
reader.
 Both writings must be free from grammatical
errors.