SUBJECT MATTER OF TECHNICAL WRITING

• The content of technical writing is objective information that is accurately and clearly
presented. Readers need to know exactly what the piece of writing means. A technical
document tells the reader exactly what to do, how to do it, and under what conditions to
do it.
• Technical writing records data in business, science, engineering, industry. and other
professional areas. It presents factual data, statistics, and measurable elements.
•Technical writing can be analyzed logically and evaluated scientifically. It gives
explanations to support plausible conclusions. It is highly specific and detailed. It leaves
no room for conflicting interpretations.
• In general, technical writing leaves its readers specific knowledge, while creative
writing leaves its readers a powerful feeling or emotion.Creative writing is subject to the
different interpretations of the readers.

THE READERS OF TECHNICAL WRITING

• The readers of technical writing read for particular purposes. These readers may be
experts of their field, or are individuals who are interested in other disciplines. They may
be managers, supervisors, secretaries, engineers, scientists, sociologists,
psychologists, or technicians.

• Understanding who the readers are, why they are reading, what they already know,
and how much they need to know about the subject is necessary to technical writers to
know what to include in their documents.

•In many ways, readers of technical materials often know what they are looking for in
reports; they recognize the value of the information.

Generally, these readers read technical materials for any of the following reasons:
1. They need to read the material to prepare for an assignment, conference, or a report.
or to affirm information.
2. They want to read the material to get informed about a topic or to reject
3. They already know something or a great deal, about the subject.
4. They read for information, not for pleasure.