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Lecture 2

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6 views

Lecture 2

Uploaded by

ml6893254
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Technical Writing

Lecture 2
?Unit One: What is Technical Writing

• Definition & Importance of Technical Writing

• Characteristics and Constraints

• Good Technical Writing Style

• Skills Needed for Technical Writing


Unit One
? What is Technical Writing

Good Technical Writing Style


• Use an accepted report format.
• Choose concise words.
• Be unbiased and maintain a neutral, objective tone.
• Construct clear sentences of mixed length.
• Develop a balanced flow of paragraphs with clear
and concise topic sentences.
Unit One
? What is Technical Writing

• Avoid the use of unfamiliar technical words.


• Avoid acronyms (abbreviations). Many readers may not know
what they mean.
• Use an impersonal style, especially for formal reports or papers.
• Adopt a positive style of writing, and write in the active voice.
Avoid rewordings and words with contemporary meanings that are
different from dictionary meanings.
• Write with credibility; avoid the use of superlatives like superior,
fastest, and so forth that are often just unsupported exaggerations.
Unit One
? What is Technical Writing

• Avoid conversational writing in technical reports.


• Adopt the concept of parallel construction when listing items or
shaping the length and content of many paragraphs
• Use topic headings to help organize and prioritize the flow of
paragraphs.
• Points to keep in mind when writing the introduction are the
following:
• Write to the reader with the least technical background, but do not
state that you are writing “down.” This insults the reader.
• Put in enough history, but do not sacrifice concision. Cite references
when appropriate.
Unit One
? What is Technical Writing

Negative words •
A mistake is almost always undesirable. An “oversight” and an “accident” •
.are similar to a “mistake”; all imply a negative connotation
:Many English words almost always evoke negative reactions •
Lazy Ignorant •
Loud Impolite •
Indolent Rude •
Fat •
Crazy •
Dumb •
Unit One
? What is Technical Writing

Wordy phrase Concise replacement


And so as a result Hence

Day to day routine Routine

On the rise Growing

On the basis of Based on

Not withholding the fact that But

Is knowledgeable about Knows

It is evident that Clearly

It is important to note Note


Unit One
? What is Technical Writing
Big word Concise replacement

Facilitate Help

Contact Call

Attempt Try

Additionally Also

Congregate Gather

Significantly Greatly

Springtime Spring

Therefore So

Utilization Use
Unit One
? What is Technical Writing

:The following are examples of action verbs to use in recommendations •


improve • study •
expand • continue •
create • reduce •
develop • purchase •
close • design •
move • install •
build • delay •
enforce • adopt •
Unit One
? What is Technical Writing
General Notes:

Mixed Person

I have been conducting these tests for many years, and we feel that the drum test is most

.appropriate

Person Agreement

I have been conducting these tests for many years, and I feel that the drum test is most

.appropriate
?Unit One: What is Technical Writing

• To be a successful technical writer, there is


a core set of skills that you will want to
master. Here are some of the most common
skills needed to be successful:
?Unit One: What is Technical Writing

• Research
Research is one of the first steps in technical writing. After you have
an assignment, you will be responsible for collecting the data
(numerical and non-numerical) and turning it into valuable
information.
Research can come from a variety of places including:
On-Site Data
Online and Intranet Publications
Interviews
Libraries and Research Databases
?Unit One: What is Technical Writing

Audience Perception •

The technical information you research and gather has to be


.shaped for reader interest, understanding, and perception

Technical writers often have to communicate highly technical


information to a non-technical audience. Therefore, an early
step in the most effective technical writing process is analyzing
your audience carefully so you can match information to their
.needs
?Unit One: What is Technical Writing

Communication Skills •

Communication skills are imperative to be a


successful technical writer. You will likely be
working with multiple teams and individuals from
differing roles. Your ability to listen, record, and
.communicate will be crucial
?Unit One: What is Technical Writing

• Technical Skills
It is imperative that you understand the technical nature of the
content you are writing about. It is difficult to clearly convey
a concept that you have not mastered. Many technical writers
have academic or workplace experience in the topic they are
writing about.
Technical writing is slightly easier if you come from the
technical side and are learning to write. It is sometimes more
difficult if your background is in writing and you are trying to
learn the technical content.
?Unit One: What is Technical Writing

• How to Improve Your Technical Writing Skills


• You don’t need to have the title of “technical writer” to
utilize technical writing skills in the workplace. If you work
for a company that deals in highly skilled or technical or
analytical work, you likely already conduct technical writing.
• Read
• Create a Process
• Seek Feedback
• Practice
Thank You

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