Technical Writing:

1
Technical Writing

• is the written communication of engineering and
  scientific ideas, concepts, and data presented
  objectively, logically, and accurately.

2
Technical Writing

• is clear and concise,
• uses graphics to convey ideas
• has a predetermined format

3
Technical Vs Academic

• How are they different?
• 1. Purpose
• 2. Knowledge of topic
• 3. Audience (1 vs many)
• 4. Criteria for evaluation

4
In Technical Writing

• Reader uses documents
• to perform a task
• to make a decision
• to solve a problem, or
• to acquire information and knowledge.

5
Technical Communication

• Is usually used to
• Inform
• Persuade
• Instruct

6
Audience Philosophy

• Dont tell me what you know rather, provide me
  with information I need, in a format I can use!

7
Pattern of Organization

• Plays a key role in technical communication
• What is it?

8
Purpose of Introduction?

• To orient the reader to what your are
  communicating.
• Contains background
• Contains roadmap

9
What goes in the body?

• Supporting data for main points from roadmap
• Key points--first or last
• Reference attachments

10
Conclusion contains

• Summary of KEY ideas in body
• Clear Statement of what next (next step)
• Effort to retain goodwill and cooperation
  (personal tone)

11
Direct Approach

• Introduction
• Main point
• Details
• Action Step
• Closing

12
Indirect Approach

• Introduction
• Buffer
• Proof you have looked at all sides of situation
• Action step
• Closing

13
Definition of a Process

• A process is a sequence of interrelated
  operations or actions by which something is done
  or made.

14
Conceptual Development Process
15
Writing Process
16
Planning Phase
Determine Purpose
Analyze Readers
Compete Storyboards
Collect Research
Complete Outline
Make Preliminary Research Outline
17
Write Initial Draft

• Develop Style Sheet
• Use Storyboards
• Get words down on paper

18
Revising Phase
Edit for Grammar
Edit for Style
Edit for Mechanics
Adjust Content