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What is “ Technical Writing”?

What is “ Technical Writing”?. Dr . Mike Downing Technical Writing. Clarity Technical Writing teaches writers how to explain, in simple language, technical and scientific concepts (or processes) that are difficult for the average reader to understand.

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What is “ Technical Writing”?

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  1. What is “Technical Writing”? Dr. Mike Downing Technical Writing

  2. Clarity • Technical Writing teaches writers how to explain, in simple language, technical and scientific concepts (or processes) that are difficult for the average reader to understand. • Examples of technical writing include user manuals, “help” documentation, medical descriptions, scientific writing, process description, white papers, analysis, and step-by-step instructions. What is technical writing?

  3. Comprehension You cannot write about a topic you do not understand. This means to have to develop your expertise in a particular area before you can expect to be paid to produce documents related to that field. You must understand your topic

  4. Expertise Therefore, it is a good idea for you to being thinking about a particular area of expertise as you move through school so that you can take a few classes in that area. For example, if you are interested in writing about technology, be sure to take at least one computer class. Developing expertise

  5. Purpose • Understand the purpose of your writing. If you don’t know what you want to accomplish, nobody else will. • It is helpful to write a single-sentence purpose statement: The purpose of this document is to explain the functions of GE’s new digital alarm clock (for example). Why are you writing?

  6. Audience • Always ask yourself: “Who will be reading the text that I have written?” • A boss? [Upward communication] • A co-worker? [Lateral communication] • Someone outside the organization? [Outward communication] • People that you supervise? [Downward communication] • Anyone who might stumble upon the company website? • An expert? • All of these factors will play a role in your writing. Audience considerations

  7. Logical Order • Technical writing typically is based on logical order. First, one step, then another, then another. • Sometimes, it is important for the reader to be aware of several steps at once. • Sometimes it is important for the reader to consider all of the instructions before proceeding. • In any event, you must make the reading pattern clear at the outset: READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE CONSTRUCTING ROCKET. • You can also use parenthetical information to refer to other points within the document (e.g. See Section One) Organizing Information

  8. Money • Excellent technical writers can earn a great deal of money. According to Peter Kent, author of Making Money in Technical Writing, technical writers can make more than $100,000 per year and some make more than $150,000. Rewards

  9. Questions?

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