Download Technical Writing

A REASON TO WRITE:
1. Informational:
a. Technical Writing –resumes, memos, letters, pamphlets,
descriptions, manuals, directions, newspaper articles, recipes,
procedures, power point, lab report…
b. Expository (also informational)– literary analysis, comparecontrast, descriptive , cause/effect, problem/solution
2. Entertain – humorous essays, short stories, novels, poetry
3. Express feelings – journal, diary, essay, poetry
4. Persuade - essays, speeches, advertisements, editorials, public
service announcements
TECHNICAL WRITING
A specialized form of writing which addresses
specific informational needs using specific
format, graphics and precise words.
Technical comes from the Greek word “techne”
meaning skill. Technical writing is for learning,
teaching and critiquing.
TECHNICAL WRITING INVOLVES:
…the clear and objective
presentation of facts to a
specific audience
CHARACTERISTICS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
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Informative
Impersonal and objective (no opinions)
Descriptive
May use charts, tables, graphs,
statistics
Concise
Uses a specific format
Easy to understand
RULES FOR TECHNICAL WRITERS
• Be accurate.
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Address problems that users actually experience.
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Use clear language, avoiding jargon whenever
possible.
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Consider what users already know and pick up
where that knowledge leaves off. Don’t assume
knowledge on the part of the audience.
MORE RULES FOR WRITERS
• Be organized in a way that allows users
to quickly find specific information.
• Leave out unnecessary details.
• Document information with graphics.
• Stick with the information, not an
opinion.
MORE RULES FOR WRITERS
• Use consistent language and formatting
to reduce confusion.
• Anticipate users' questions and then
answer those questions. (FAQs)
• Follow standard formats to reduce
reader confusion.