Eng 153: Technical Writing

What is Technical Writing?

Technical writing conveys specific information about a technical subject to a specific
audience for a specific purposeThe words and graphics of technical writing are meant to
be practical: that is, to communicate a body of factual information that will help an audience
understand a subject or carry out a task.
- Michael H. Markel Director of Technical Communication, Boise State University
Types of Technical Reports/Communication
Annual Report
Books
Computer Hardware Guides
Magazines
Newsletters
Organizational Manuals
Scholarly Articles/Journals
Software Guides
Technical Reports
Characteristics of Technical Writing

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 requires 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 writing style.
It is very detailed and informative. The perfect example of technical writing is a
textbook. The written content 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.
The four Cs:
Clarity -- it is easily understood by your intended audience
Comprehensiveness -- all of the necessary information is present
Conciseness -- it is clear without excess verbiage
Correctness -- it is grammatical and follows conventions

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.
Planning before you begin
1.
2.
3.
4.

Identify your audience and their expectations

Know your purpose
Know your material
Understand the writing task at hand

5. Organize your thoughts and materials

6. Budget adequate time to write, review, revise and edit
Factors to consider
Clarity: Avoid Jargon
-Jargon: a vocabulary particular to a place of work (abbreviations, slang)
-Audience familiarity with the topic determines appropriate use of jargon
Clarity: Define the Unfamiliar
-If you must abbreviate, define the term in its first occurrence, and put abbreviations in
parentheses
-Italicize first occurrenceof unfamiliar terms and define them right away
Brevity: Use Words Efficiently
-Never use two words when one word will do.
Brevity: Less Is More
-Pare your language down to the essential message you want to get across to your
readers:
Brevity: Most Important First
Place key information in the main clause
Brevity: Remove Redundancy
-Combine overlapping sentences when possible
Simplicity: Use Details Wisely
-Specific details are desirable, but be careful to balance detail with audience needs for
claritysignificance is more important.
Language:
Needless Complexity
-Use simple words
Abstraction
-Avoid too many abstract nouns
Ambiguity
-Choose words whose meanings are clear
-Order the words in your sentences carefully
-Do not overuse pronounsparticularly it and thisbecause it is often difficult to
identify the antecedent
Weak vs. Strong
-Avoid too many to beverbs is was were has been have been
-Avoid excess words, which slow comprehension of the main point
Example:

Active Voice: Strong Verbs

Technical writers want to communicate as efficiently as possible, and active voice is
more straightforward and is stronger than passive voice

For Eng 153: 3BSA1/Fri 11:30-2:30

Note:
1. Please study the above notes. Get ready for the discussion on the next
meeting, July 1.
2. We will have two topics on July 1: Introduction to Technical Writing and
Technical Writing Process.
3. Answer the attached activities here. Leader, please collect and submit on
Monday, June 27.
4. Please create our Facebook group account, add me MissGlen Cortezano.
Thank you and see you on the next meeting!
Prepared by:
Miss Glen Cortezano