LECTURE 4

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING.

 The term technical writing refers to knowledge that is not widespread. Simplifying the
complex. It involves communicating complex information to those who need it to
accomplish some task or goal.
 Technical communication is written or oral communication for and about business and
industry.
 Technical communication focuses on products and services-how to manufacture them,
market them, manage them, deliver them and use them.
 Technical communication is composed primarily in the work environment for supervisors,
colleagues, subordinates, vendors and customers.
 The information we provide will be purely technical. This is possible only when he is well
trained technically. This turns to be a professional task. Therefore, professionals will be
hired for works to be done.
 Technical writing is a field of professional writing on technical subjects. It is more the
territory of experts and specialists. Whatever your major is, you are developing an
expertise- you are becoming a specialist in technical area.
 Technical writing introduces you to some of the most important aspects of writing in the
world of science, technology and business. In other words, the kind of writing those
scientists, nurses, doctors, computer specialists, government officials, engineers and other
such people do as part of their regular work. In other words, whenever you write or say
something about your field, you are engaged in technical communication.
 Technical communication is the delivery of technical information to readers (or listeners or
viewers.) in a manner that is adapted to their needs, level of understanding and background.
 In other way to put technical information into easily understandable language is technical
writing where technical subject matter is clear, concise understandable way that is
appropriate for a specific audience. As technical writing is audience oriented.
 Many people think that technical writing is creating manuals and softwares but the practice
of technical writing takes place in any field or industry where complex ideas, concepts or
processes and procedures need to be communicated in an easy way.

Channels of Technical Communication:

Technical communication takes different forms. We communicate orally and in written but we
also rely on various types of correspondence and technology dependent upon the audience,
purpose and situation. To communicate successfully in the workplace you, must adapt to many
communication channels.

Different writers and speakers use different channels of communication to both internal and
external audience.

Internal audience. It consists of the co-workers, subordinates and supervisors in your

workplace.
External audience. It consists of vendors, customers, and other workplace professionals.

Written communication channel Oral communication channel

1. E-mail (electronic mail) 1. Leading meetings

2. Memos 2. Conducting interviews
3. Letters 3. Making sales calls
4. Reports 4. Managing others
5. Proposals 5. Participating in teleconferences and
6. Newsletters videoconferences
7. Fliers 6. Facilitating training sessions
8. Brochures 7. Participating in collaborative team
9. Faxes projects
10. Internet Web sites 8. Providing customer service
11. Instant and text messages 9. Making telephone calls
12. Blogging 10. Making presentations at conferences
13. Facebook or to civic organizations
14. Twitter 11. Leaving voice-mail messages
15. Job information (resumes, letters of 12. Participating in interpersonal
application, follow-up letters, interviews) communication at work
16. User manuals 13. Conducting performance reviews
17. Technical descriptions.
18. Online help screens