What is What is “Technical Writing”?“Technical Writing”?

Dr. Mike DowningTechnical Writing

What is technical writing?What is technical writing?

ClarityTechnical Writing teaches writers how to

explain, in simple language, technical and scientific concepts (or processes) that are difficult for the average reader to understand.

Examples of technical writing include user manuals, “help” documentation, medical descriptions, scientific writing, process description, white papers, analysis, and step-by-step instructions.

You must understand your topicYou must understand your topic

ComprehensionYou cannot write about a topic you do not

understand. This means to have to develop your expertise in a particular area before you can expect to be paid to produce documents related to that field.

Developing expertiseDeveloping expertise

ExpertiseTherefore, it is a good idea for you to being

thinking about a particular area of expertise as you move through school so that you can take a few classes in that area. For example, if you are interested in writing about technology, be sure to take at least one computer class.

Why are you writing?Why are you writing?

PurposeUnderstand the purpose of your writing. If

you don’t know what you want to accomplish, nobody else will.

It is helpful to write a single-sentence purpose statement: The purpose of this document is to explain the functions of GE’s new digital alarm clock (for example).

Audience considerationsAudience considerations

AudienceAlways ask yourself: “Who will be reading the text

that I have written?”A boss? [Upward communication]A co-worker? [Lateral communication]Someone outside the organization? [Outward

communication]People that you supervise? [Downward

communication]Anyone who might stumble upon the company

website?An expert?All of these factors will play a role in your writing.

Organizing InformationOrganizing Information

Logical Order Technical writing typically is based on logical order. First,

one step, then another, then another. ◦ Sometimes, it is important for the reader to be aware of

several steps at once. ◦ Sometimes it is important for the reader to consider all of

the instructions before proceeding. In any event, you must make the reading pattern clear at

the outset: READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE CONSTRUCTING ROCKET.

You can also use parenthetical information to refer to other points within the document (e.g. See Section One)

RewardsRewards

MoneyExcellent technical writers can earn a

great deal of money. According to Peter Kent, author of Making Money in Technical Writing, technical writers can make more than $100,000 per year and some make more than $150,000.

Questions?