Technical Writing Introduction What’s in store for you this semester

Contents Purpose of course Technical writing characteristics Technical writing Course requirements Safe computing

Definition/Purpose of Course Technical communication is the “art and science of making complex technical information accessible, usable, and relevant to a variety of audiences in a variety of settings.” Composition of the types of documents technical professionals write Review of the planning, drafting, and editing processes Interaction with new technologies and new environments

Accessibility Accuracy– no errors of fact or grammar Clarity– no ambiguity Completeness– all necessary information is present Diction—appropriate and grammatically correct language Organization—logical arrangement of parts Visual effectiveness– page/screen design, graphics

Usability Allows audience to perform the task or retrieve the information they need Studies design of table of contents, index, headings, etc. Keeps learning curve short

Relevance Focus on your audience’s need for information. Give only what’s needed. Use language that fits your audience and situation and is consistent.

On-the-job Writing Communicate expertise to clients, customers, and the public Report tech activities to supervisors and others Write proposals Instruct lay people Correspond with colleagues and clients

Tech Communicator’s Skills Tech Communicator’s Skills Facility with language Use of critical thinking skills to solve problems Ability to assess situations, determine what the most important issues and the subsidiary ones are Ability to organize a document that presents the information clearly

Skills, continued Awareness of the persuasive nature of writing and ability to compose documents that convince your reader(s) to act as you suggest or to trust your point of view Ethical behavior shown by avoiding deceptive graphics, presenting information truthfully, balancing ethical and moral beliefs with the demands of the job

Writing Assignments Application, follow-up letters, and résumés Technical Definition Proposal Collaborative process manual and oral presentation Product/service comparison Formal report Progress Report Personal and professional website Class notes Report outline in PowerPoint.

Home Page Creation Create or update your web site. Put the pages together manually first Use an editor or continue to work manually once you’re working on your own. Link to a web site you already have, adding the requirements for this new part of your site.

Safe Computing Check your own disks for viruses. Back up your work (you can save on both the S/T drive and a 3.5 floppy/data CD). Don’t forget to take your disk with you at the end of class. Put your name, phone number/ address on the label. Save often; don’t rely on autosave.