What is Technical Writing?

Technical writing is a form of communication with the process of making, using, and sharing information and ideas. It may be found in daily life, such as: user manuals, instruction manuals, magazines, newsletters, and other forms of media. Technical writing is meant to affect the audience to the point where it helps readers solve questions in an easy and efficient way. On the other hand, college writing is a form of academic writing that is meant for peer review and academic achievement. The biggest differences between technical writing and other writings are audience and purpose. Audience is the documents recipient and the purpose is the documents function and goal. With academic writing the audience is typically peers and teachers while the purpose is for a grade, and with technical writing, an audience is varied, as is the purpose. Technical writing is very important to the professional world. Many employers and companies look for communication skills, even if it is listed as the companys greatest weakness. Employers value technical writing skills highly while searching for prospective employees. Many organizations require and offer training for their employees to help with their technical writing skills. Technical writing skills of a single employee reflect an organization that produce it. In summary, a technical document is meant to convey information to a particular audience so that they understand something or carry out a task. To accomplish these goals, it must meet the eight measures of technical writing as listed below. Technical writing is a professional style of writing and is used and seen in everyday life, even out of the professional world.

Main Points of Technical Documents

Technical Documents are Produced by:
Technical Professionals o Trained individuals who write everyday items such as emails, letters, proposals, etc. People who create manuals, proposals, reports, web sites, journal articles, speeches, etc.

Eight Measures of Excellent Technical Writing

Honesty o Is the right thing to do o Can cause legal complications o Can hurt readers if dishonest Clarity o Can be easily understood Accuracy o Must get facts straight o May confuse readers if inaccurate Comprehensiveness o Provides all information needed Accessibility o Makes all parts easy to access Conciseness o Must be brief enough for busy readers Professional Appearance o Looks professional for a good impression Correctness o Uses proper grammar o Has no errors

Technical Communicators or Writers

o

Technical Documents Have 6 Characteristics:

Addresses particular readers Helps readers solve problems Reflects an organizations goals and culture Produces collaboratively Uses design to increase readability Consists of words or graphics or both

4 Main Skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Used in the following applications: Technical Documents o Technical documents convey information to an audience, so that they understand something or carry out a task in written form. Oral Presentations o Oral presentations show and convey information to an audience, so that they understand something or carry out a task in visual and oral form. o

Source: Markel, Mike. Technical Communciation. Ninth Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. Print. Michelle Johnson ENG 439 Technical Writing Professor Kohn

2013 Assignment 1: What is Technical Writing?