FUNDAMENTALS OF

TECHNICAL WRITING
An Introduction

What is the difference?

Technical
Writing

Literary
Writing

Technical Writing

adheres to the
principle of
unity, coherence,
and emphasis

Characteristics of a Technical
Writer
A Learner and Reader
A Researcher
A Technical Communicator
A Descriptive Writer
An Expository Writer
An Investigative Writer

Skills of a Technical Writer

Information Literacy
Communication Skills
Software Knowledge
Network/Website Knowledge
Visual/Graphical Presentation

Skills
Bibliographic Format Knowledge

Characteristics of Technical
Writing
Objectivity
Accuracy
Clarity
Concise
Brevity
Simplicity
Directness
Concreteness
Formality

Technical Style
Simple English
Grammaticality
Vocabulary
Scientific/Technical Terms
Appropriate Word Choice

Technical Format
Three part format
Mechanical neatness
Visual Illustration
Tables and Graphs
Drawings and Diagrams
Visuals and Photos

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS
Kinds of Audience
Considerations in Analyzing the Audience/Readers

5 Kinds of Audience
Layman
Executive
Expert
Technician
Operator

Considerations in Analyzing the

Audience or Readers
Identify the target audience
Specify the defined audience
Determine the audience needs
Anticipate the audience queries
Analyze the audience answers

TECHNICAL PROSE
Methods of Technical Prose
Patterns of Organization

Methods of Technical Prose

Exposition
Description
Definition
Narration
Argumentation/Persuasion

Patterns of Organization
Listing
Exemplification
Comparison and Contrast
Cause and Effect
Classification
Division
Generalization

KINDS OF TECHNICAL
REPORTS

Information Report
Routine Report
Annual Report

Special Information Report

Preliminary Report
Feasibility
Progress Report
Final Report

Examination Report
Engineering
Administration
Financial
Marketing

Recommendation Reports
Operation
Construction
Proposals

Short Informational Report

Memorandum
Letter
Incident Report
Field Report
Project Completion
Inspection Report
Laboratory Report

KINDS OF TECHNICAL
MANUALS

Kinds of Technical Manuals

Instructional Manual
Guides
1. Preparation Guides
2. Installation Guides
3. Troubleshooting Guides
4. Business Guides
5. Users Guides

BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE AND
MEMOS

Types of Business Letters

Simple Routine Business Letter
Inquiry and Letter of Response
Sales and Order Letters
Credit and Collection Letters
Claim and Adjustment Letters
Resume and Application Letter

Analysis Questions
1. What is the importance of

communication in
School Community
Company / Institution
Government

2. How do a love letter differ from a

business letter?

3. Give two characteristics of

technical writing and tell its

importance.
4. Why is it necessary for us to
identify our target audience
before writing technical report,
business correspondence, and
research paper.