Characteristics/Concept

of Technical writing

Audience
Presentational Responsible
centered
3. TECHNICAL WRITING IS RESPONSIBLE

 This is related with the technical writer.

 There are two responsibilities of the writer:
1. Technical writer is responsible because the readers
count on them to be their guide, and they must do what
they can to fulfill theirs trust and tell them all what they
need to know.
2. “Ethically it is the technical writer’s responsibility to
ensure that the fact of the matter is truly represented
by the choice of words.
Example : Packet of cigarette.

To achieve both the purposes following strategies should be followed.

 Strategies forResponsible

A) Use honest B) Use format C) Create helpful

language honestly visual

D) Use direct,
F) Codes of
Simple E) Credit others
ethical conduct
expression
 A. USE HONEST LANGUAGE

Honest language means the language which contain the

main idea very clearly.
Example:
When you write a manual for machine that has a sharp whirling part
under the a protective cover. When explain how to clean the part,
you inform the reader of the danger in a manner that prompts him
or her to act cautiously. It would be unethical to write “Hazard exist
if contact is made with this part while it is whirling” this sentence is
not urgent or specific enough a user prevent injury. Instead write “
Warning . Turn off all power before you remove the cover. The blade
underneath could slice off your fingers”
 B.USE FORMAT HONESTLY

 “Format honestly” means the documents must

contain equal proportion and same sequences.
 Something used more obvious in order to draw
reader’s attention to the problem.
 We can bold, underline, highlight or italicize to grab
the attention of audience.
Example:
Widget lines exceeds goals. Once again our widget line has
exceeded production goals, this time by 18 %.
 C. CREATE HELPFUL VISUAL
 It means that the documents should help the reader to
understand quickly and clearly by the help of precise/clear
visual.
Example :
Which one is precise of emergency stop button in order to
operate machine safely.
Imprecise Precise

emergency Non Emergency

Emergency stop button Emergency stop button

 D. USE DIRECT, SIMPLE EXPRESSION

 It means follow easy or simple method so your

readers can easily understand.
Example:
If there is a confirmation of the tank level
rising, a determination of the source should
be made.
Simply and direct.
Determine if the tank level is rising usually
check to if the liquid is coming out of the 1st
floor trench.
 E. CREDIT OTHERS
 It means to acknowledge others.
 To tell the readers everything which he expect.
Example:

Suppose your coworker has found a way that to

save the money of the company. You are
assigned to write the internal proposal that
 suggest the change. Your obligation is to
present the fact so that your manager
understand who can get the credit. To do
otherwise would be to deny your coworker
proper credit for the idea.
F. CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT

 Those moral codes which inform or guide the readers.

 These codes includes a variety of topics, but several are
typically addressed:
1. Fundamental honesty.
2. Health and safety practices.
3. Adherence to Law.
4. Avoidance of conflict of interest.
5. Fairness in selling and marketing practices.
6. Protection of the environment.