Overview of technical & scientific writing a2011
description
Transcript of Overview of technical & scientific writing a2011
Technical & Scientific WritingTeresa Foxworthy Cook
What is technical writing/communication?
Definitions
• “writing that aims to get work done, to change people by changing the way they do things.” (Riordan)
• taking complex information and making it clear for a lay audience
• “the exchange of information that helps people interact with technology, advance workplace goals, and solve complex problems” (Gurak & Lannon)
Types of Technical Communication
• annual reports• quick guides• scholarly articles• software guides • training materials• promotional
materials• technical reports• proposals• newsletters• manuals• user guides
• instructions• descriptions• letters• memos• procedures• social media content• presentations• podcasts• videos
Who creates these materials?
Two Types of Individuals
• technical communication professionals
• other professionals who write as part of their job
Academic Writing Technical Writing
Audience Singular - Teacher Varied & Changing
Purpose Earn a Grade/Display Knowledge
Complete a Task
Knowledge Base Audience Has More Writer Has More
Page Design Limited Infinite Variety
Differences between Academic & Technical Writing
Major Traits of Technical Writing
• is audience centered
• enhances relationships
• enables readers to act
• occurs within a community
• is interactive
• is appropriate
• is responsible
• is designed
• has definite purposes
Three Primary Purposes of Technical Communication
• to inform• to persuade • to instruct
• Technical Writing in Hollywood – YouTube
ReferencesGurak, Laura and John Lannon. Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace. Boston: Longman, 2010.
Riordan, Daniel. Technical Report Writing Today.