Technical/

Business Writing
Technical/ Business
Writing

Before You
Write it Down,
Know This
 Introduction
 Technical writing is a form of communication
that focuses on providing information to users
who need assistance to accomplish a defined
goal or task. The purpose of technical
communication is not to entertain people.
 The focus of technical communication is to
assist users who need specific information on
using products, completing tasks, operating
equipment, and completing other types of
activities.
What do technical writers do?
 As a technical writer, you are expected to be
able to:
 Determine the needs of the audience
 Organize the structure of technical documents
 Write information that meets the needs of the
audience
 Write so that users can easily find and understand
information
 Use page elements such as tables, lists, and headings
appropriately
 Edit and proofread to produce documents without
grammar or typographical errors
 Not just Manuals
 Technical writing is not limited to user
manuals. Technical writers may be
called on to produce different types of
technical documents.
 Technical writing can be anything from
a short memo in an office to a
researched grant proposal for a major
firm.
 Contd…

 Technical writers produce documents that

include:
 Sales Catalogs
 User manuals
 Quick reference guides
 Proposals
 Annual or quarterly reports
 Newsletters
 Feasibility and planning studies
 Contd…
 Marketing documents
 Websites
 Training materials
 Online help
 User assistance (FAQs)
 Journal or research articles
 Lab reports
 Standard operating procedures
 Financial reports
 Business letters
 Purpose of Technical Writing
 Every type of writing has a goal. There are
some forms of writing that are geared to
telling a story and there are other forms of
writing that are geared to expressing
opinions.

 The main purpose of technical writing is to

provide sometimes complex information.
 Contd…

 This is the type of writing that will:

 Pass information among authorities, peer or
subordinates about some agenda
 Assist a person with understanding more about
a particular item, such as a computer or a new
drug or a new piece of technology.
 Explain how an object works or how to complete
a project.
 Contd…

 Technical writing is targeted to readers who

are looking for information on a particular
topic. The goal in targeting this group is to
make sure that the information provided is
clear, concise and easy for anyone to
understand.
 Characteristics of Technical
Writing
 Technical writing, just as any other form of writing,
has certain characteristics which distinguish it from
other types of writing. It is very different from
writing opinion pieces, essays, prose, non-fiction
or fiction.
 Contd…

 Following are the characteristics of

technical writing:

 Subject
 Audience
 Organization
 Style
 Tone
 Special features
 Tips for Good Technical Writing
 Regardless of the type of document which is
written, technical writing requires the writer to
follow the properties of knowing their audience,
writing in a clear, non-personal style and doing
extensive research on the topic. By including
these properties, the writer can create clear
instructions and explanations for the reader.
 How Technical Writing differs
from Other Writing

 Technical Writing vs Academic Writing

 Technical Writing vs Imaginative Writing
 Technical Writing vs
Academic Writing
 Similarities  Differences
 Unified  Presentation
 Coherent  Audience
 Well organized  Approach

Equally Important Matters:

Style and Standard usage
 Rely on complex writing process
Written in stages
Purpose-to inform or persuade
 Technical Writing vs
Imaginative Writing
 Technical Writing  Imaginative Writing
 Should be  Can be ambiguous
unambiguous and  Requires readers to
direct draw inferences to
 No doubt in meaning of make judgments that
a sentence the writer does not
state

Equally Important Matter:

Exposure can broaden your understanding of writing
Reflection
Thankyou