Technical Communication

Technical communication is a broad field and includes any form of communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics Communicatingabout technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations. Communicatingby using technology, such as web pages, help files, or social media sites. Providinginstructions about how to do something, regardless of how technical the task is or even if technology is used to create or distribute that communication. Technical Writing Definitions for Technical Writing Technical writing is writing about scientific subjects and about various technical subjects associated with the sciences.

Is characterized by certain formal elements, such as its scientific and technical vocabulary, its use of graphic aids, and its use of conventional report forms. Is ideally characterized by the maintenance of an attitude of impartiality and objectivity, by extreme care to convey information accurately and concisely, and by the absence of any attempt to arouse emotion.

Is writing in which there is relatively high concentration of certain complex and important writing techniques, in particular description of mechanisms, description of process, definition, classification, and interpretation.

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Five basic principles of Good Technical Writing Always have in mind a specific reader, real or imaginary, when you are writing a report, always assume that he is intelligent, but uninformed. Before you start to write, always decide what the exact purpose of your report is, and make sure that every paragraph, every sentence, every word makes a clear contribution to that purpose. Use language that is simple, concrete and familiar.

At the beginning and end of every section of your report, check your writing according to this principle First you tell the reader what youre going to tell him and then ask him what youve told him. Make your report attractive. Differences between Technical Writing and other forms of writing Technical writing conveys specific information about a technical subject to a specific audience for a specific purpose.

Creative writing is fiction poetry, short stories, plays, and novels and is most different from technical writing. Expressive writing is a subjective response to a personal experience journals and diaries whereas technical writing might be objective observations of a work-related experience or research. Expository writing exposes or reveals a topic analytically and objectively, such as news reports. Like technical writing, the goal of expository writing is to explain or reveal knowledge, but expository writing does not necessarily expect a response or action from the readers. Persuasive writing depends on emotional appeal. Its goal is to change attitudes or motivate the reader to action. Copyright law covers the protection of the rights of the author. Trademark law pertains to federal protection (different from registered trademarks). Contract law covers written warranties or their implied warranties.

Liability law pertains to responsibilities or obligations of writers especially claims they made on their paper. Principles of Ethical Communication Abide by relevant laws. Abide by the appropriate corporate or professional code of conduct. Tell the truth. Dont mislead your readers. Be clear. Avoid discriminatory language. Acknowledge assistance from others. Avoid the following when writing technical communication False implications happens when a person assumes the outcome of a project or makes sweeping generalizations. Exaggerations - happen when situations are expressed in extreme proportions. Euphemism means writing about situations in seemingly good conditions even though they are not.