school
Technical Writing
What is technical writing?
Why should I care?
How does technical writing relate to my job?
How is technical writing different from other communication?
What are the characteristics of technical writing?
What is Technical Writing?
Applied communication designed to accomplish specific tasks or to help solve problems, such as:
Informing users about an update in computer software
Instructing assembly line workers to produce a new product
Warning customers about unsafe ways to operate a machine
Instructing buyers how to assemble a bicycle
Communication that conveys complex information in an easy-to-understand manner, often to inexperienced users, on topics such as:
Repairing a copy machine
Selecting a home computer
Operating a digital camera
Creating handmade ceramics
Assembling a kite
It exists in many forms:
User manuals
Training materials
Videotapes
Satellite broadcasts
Workshop outlines and handouts
Reports
Interviews
Persuasive speeches
Why Should I Care?
Even if you don’t plan to become a professional communicator, you will be, or already are, a technical professional who communicates!
Studies show that 44% of your professional time will be spent in some kind of writing activity, including:
Brainstorming
Note-taking
Organizational planning
Drafting, revising and editing
The number of technical writing jobs will grow 23.3% between 2002 and 2012
Whatever your particular technical profession, you will spend a significant part of your time communicating, even more than you spend in school
Technical writing skills can be used in a variety of fields
Journalism
Marketing
Business Management
Administration
Software Engineering
Education
Biotech/Pharmaceuticals
How Does It Relate to My Job?
Engineers are often responsible for writing feasibility studies for such technological changes as:
New buildings
Electrical systems
Computer networks
If your goal is to manage the technical products division
What is technical writing?
Why should I care?
How does technical writing relate to my job?
How is technical writing different from other communication?
What are the characteristics of technical writing?
What is Technical Writing?
Applied communication designed to accomplish specific tasks or to help solve problems, such as:
Informing users about an update in computer software
Instructing assembly line workers to produce a new product
Warning customers about unsafe ways to operate a machine
Instructing buyers how to assemble a bicycle
Communication that conveys complex information in an easy-to-understand manner, often to inexperienced users, on topics such as:
Repairing a copy machine
Selecting a home computer
Operating a digital camera
Creating handmade ceramics
Assembling a kite
It exists in many forms:
User manuals
Training materials
Videotapes
Satellite broadcasts
Workshop outlines and handouts
Reports
Interviews
Persuasive speeches
Why Should I Care?
Even if you don’t plan to become a professional communicator, you will be, or already are, a technical professional who communicates!
Studies show that 44% of your professional time will be spent in some kind of writing activity, including:
Brainstorming
Note-taking
Organizational planning
Drafting, revising and editing
The number of technical writing jobs will grow 23.3% between 2002 and 2012
Whatever your particular technical profession, you will spend a significant part of your time communicating, even more than you spend in school
Technical writing skills can be used in a variety of fields
Journalism
Marketing
Business Management
Administration
Software Engineering
Education
Biotech/Pharmaceuticals
How Does It Relate to My Job?
Engineers are often responsible for writing feasibility studies for such technological changes as:
New buildings
Electrical systems
Computer networks
If your goal is to manage the technical products division