INTRODUCTION TO

TECHNICAL WRITING
 Technical writing

• Technical writing is a field of professional writing on technical subjects. It is

quite different from fiction or journalism. Fiction includes poetry, short
stories, plays and novels. The goal of expressive writing is to express one's
feelings through description and narration. However, if we want to read
about rocket science or brain surgery, we need a technical writer to tellus
exactly what they mean
 What is technical writing?

• Technical writing is the writing of technical content, particularly relating to industrial and other applied
sciences, with an emphasis on occupational contexts. The range of audiences for technical writing varies
widely. In some cases, it is directed to people with specialized knowledge, such as experts or technicians.
In other situations, technical writers help convey complex scientific or niche subjects to end users who
need a basic understanding of a concept rather than a full explanation of a subject. Technical writing is the
largest part of technical communication.
Examples of technical writing
• Technical writing, which must be understood easily andquickly,
includes:
• memos and e-mail
• Letters
• Reports
• Instructions brochures and news letters
• the job search
• web pages
 Examples

• Examples of fields requiring technical writing include computer hardware and software, architecture,

engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance, medical, consumer electronics, biotechnology, and

forestry.
 Technical writing

• Technical writing plays a crucial role in various fields and industries due
to its importance in conveying complex information clearly, concisely,
and accurately. Here are some reasons why technical writing is essential.
• Clarity and Understanding: Technical writing aims to make complex concepts,
procedures, and instructions understandable to the target audience. Clear
documentation helps users grasp technical information efficiently, reducing confusion
and errors.

• Instruction and Guidance: Technical writing provides instructions and guidance for
using products, software, machinery, or completing tasks. Well-written technical
documentation ensures users can operate equipment safely and effectively, reducing
the risk of accidents and errors.
 Nature of Technical Writing

• TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION OR TECHNICAL WRITING – is the transfer of

information to readers in a way that is aligned to their need, level of understanding and
background.

• The focus of Technical Writing is to communicate professionally in an organizational

system.
• It involves accurate, precise, logical arrangement and organized preparation of
information.
 Language of Technical Writing
• Technical style – tone and attitude of the communication of the specialists

• joyful, serious, humorous, sad, threatening, formal, informal, pessimistic, and optimistic

• BUT TECHNICAL WRITING USES FORMAL TONE

• Formal Tone - characterized by restraint and objectivity

• impersonal

• impartial

• do not allow the use of feelings

• no biases in interpretation of data

• PROCESS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
 FIVE STEPS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
THE TECHNICAL WRITING PROCESS
• 1) Identify the audience
• 2) Determine purpose/ objectives
• 3) Gather information
• 4) Organize data
• 5) Edit, revise and finalize
1)Identify the audience

•  Knowing your readers in terms of background, needs and

knowledge to adapt to their level of understanding.  To
communicate more effectively and address the needs of your reader.
 Ex. You are writing to a busy boss, thus you need to make your
letter/report brief and straight to the point.
Determine purpose/objectives

•  Helps the writer know what and how to write a given subject
matter.  You can write to record important events, inform, explain,
complain, appeal, request or propose.
Gather information
•  It helps the writer choose important and accurate data to use to
meet the objectives of the report.  It makes the report more reliable
and effective.
4) Organize data
•  Putting the essential parts of the report in their proper places and
logical order.  Using appropriate visual aids to present data more
effectively.
5) Edit, revise and finalize
•  Like any form of writing this is essential in the polishing of the
product  We need this to make sure we don’t have grammar and
spelling errors.  Any formal writing with multiple errors is unreliable.
PRINCIPLES OF TECHNICAL WRITING
• Principles will make technical writing easy and an effective tool of
communication in an organization.
• 1) A technical report is designed to meet specific needs of individuals
in the organization.
• 2) Technical writers need knowledge and skills to be able to
communicate their ideas specifically and effectively.
• 3) Technical writers write in appropriate style and have a scientific
attitude.
• 4) Technical writing has a specific reader, purpose and organized data
to fulfill the specific objectives.
• 5) Technical writing helps influence decision for change and
betterment of individuals and organization.
• Clarity and Understanding: Technical writing aims to make complex concepts,
procedures, and instructions understandable to the target audience. Clear
documentation helps users grasp technical information efficiently, reducing confusion
and errors.

• Instruction and Guidance: Technical writing provides instructions and guidance for
using products, software, machinery, or completing tasks. Well-written technical
documentation ensures users can operate equipment safely and effectively, reducing
the risk of accidents and errors.