1. Simplifying the Complex
Technical writing
Simplifying the Complex

2. Real-World Writing in the 21st Century
Technical Writing AKA:
Business Writing
Workplace Writing
Professional Writing
Informational Writing

3. What is Technical Writing?
It is the type of everyday writing that surrounds us from the time we wake until we climb into bed at night:
Directions on the toothpaste tube
Nutrition benefits on the cereal box
Business letters and catalogs that come in the mail
Written instructions for assembling a new product
Tax receipts and notices
Product safety information

4. What is Technical Writing?
Technical writing introduces you to some of the most important aspects of writing in the world of science, technology, and business – the kind of writing that scientists, nurses, doctors, computer specialists, government officials, engineers, and other people do as a part of their regular work.

5. What is Technical Writing?
The term “technical” refers to knowledge that is not widespread, that is more the territory of experts and specialists.
Whatever your major is, you are developing an expertise, and whenever you try to write anything about your field, you are engaged in technical writing.

6. What is Technical Writing?
Technical communication can be written, oral, or visual.
Technical writing is composed in and for the workplace.
Technical writing is a significant factor in work experience for a variety of reasons.
Technical writing serves valuable purposes in the workplace and often involves teamwork.

7. How is Technical Writing Different?
The information is organized, presented and communicated in a specific format.
The writing is concise, clear and accurate.
The writing takes into account the audience’s needs, biases and prior understanding.
The writing presents information to help readers solve a problem or gain a better understanding of a situation.
The writing conveys technical, complex, or specialized information in a way that is easy for a non-technical reader to understand.

8. How is Technical Writing Different?
The information is organized, presented and communicated in a specific format.
The writing is concise, clear and accurate.
The writing takes into account the audience’s needs, biases and prior understanding.
The writing presents information to help readers solve a problem or gain a better understanding of a situation.
The writing conveys technical, complex, or specialized information in a way that is easy for a non-technical reader to understand.

9. What Employers Say…
employees in top companies are poorly trained in writing and cannot compose a coherent business response
Conscientious employers are retraining employees to write in the workplace

10. Three Part Foundation Needed on the Job
Basic Skills (reads, writes, performs mathematical operations, listens and speaks)
Thinking Skills (Thinks creatively, makes decisions, solves problems, visualizes, knows how to learn, and reasons)
Personal Qualities (Displays responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, and integrity and honesty)

11. Five Workplace Competencies
Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans and allocates resources
Interpersonal: Works with others
Information: Acquires and uses information
Systems: Understands complex interrelationships
Technology: Works with a variety of technologies

12. What does all this Mean?
Preparing the 21st Century Professional to Write in the Workplace

13. Technical Writing and the Academy
The Stakes are Higher
Technical writing is a natural partner to academic writing. It is descriptive, creative, and expository, but the format is different and the standards are higher.
Technical writing requires 100% accuracy.

14. Examples of Technical Writing
Action Plans
Description
Advertisement
Diagram, Chart, or Graph
Agenda
Editorial
Audit Report
Book Review
Feasibility Report
Brochure
Field Test Report
Budget
Incident Report
Business Letter
Informational Form
Business Plan
Informational Poster
Catalog
Informative Summary
Contract
Instructions
Critique
Interview Questions
Data Book or Display
Itinerary

15. Examples of Technical Writing
Job Application
Product Comparison
Job Description
Proposal
Lesson Plan
Questionnaire
Letter of Inquiry
Research Report
Letter of Recommendation
Résumé/Portfolio
Magazine/Newspaper Article
Scientific Paper/Report
Marketing Plan
Survey
Memo
Test
Meeting Minutes
Transcription
Newsletter
Training Manual
Observation Report
Travel Guide
Performance Evaluations
Web Page
Persuasive Proposal
Work Order
Position Paper

16. What is the Purpose of Technical Writing?
Technical writing is the delivery of technical information to readers in a manner that is adapted to their needs, level of understanding, and background.
Technical writing is intended to communicate to a specific audience, for a specific purpose.

17. Translating Technical Information
In a world of rapid technological development, people are constantly falling behind and becoming technological illiterates.
As a technical writer, you need to write about the area of specialization you know and plan to write about in such a way that even Granddad can understand.

18. Effective Technical Writing Process
The writing process is effective and easy.
All that you need to do is three things:
Prewrite (about 25 percent of your time)
Write (about 25 percent of your time)
Rewrite (about 50 percent of your time)

19. Technical Writing Is important to success in business
Lets you conduct business
Takes time
Costs the company
Reflects your interpersonal communication skills
Often involves teamwork