What is Technical Writing?

The composed word is everywhere around us, so often so that we often do not even observe. If you?ve ever assembled a bookshelf, tried to operate a DVD player or referred to an owner?s manual, you have been exposed to technical writing. Technical writing is the craft of communicating technical, business or educational information.

Technical writing is likely the most widely read class of written communication, exclusive of advertising. In a universal sense, technical writing includes the ?how to? of life. A process or the directions for operating a mobile phone can be considered technical writing.

The technical writing geared to the general public is just one minor expression of the field. Businesses use technical writing extensively to communicate information to management, employees and other businesses. Technical writing in business can include training manuals, employee guidelines or handbooks and other specialized writing that are task specific.

Informative textbooks are also considered a form of technical writing.

A photography textbook, e.g., is technical writing that informs the reader about how to optimize lighting when photographing a subject or how to use a camera for special effects. The huge array of textbooks in the world all transmit facts through technical writing with the purpose of instruction and education.

Commonly, technical writing is separated into two primary areas.

? Process Documents guide the developing, examination, maintenance and improvement of systems. They are applied along managers, engineers, testers, and marketing professionals. These written document* apply technical terms and industry specific terminology.

? User Documents give buyers the information they want to use the product.

They are mainly teaching materials which include some technical explanation. They apply everyday terms in place of technical slang, making it easier for the beginner or outsider to understand the system.

Whether information about applied science, assembly instructions, or owner?s manuals, technical writing intends to present information in a way that?s clear, brief and, above all, helpful to the intended audience.

Though technical writing is different from creative writing such as fables and poetry, a technical writer must have a certain sort of creative thinking. Because technical writing is often dull, a good technical writer must come up with a way to engage the target audience in order for the readers to empathize and absorb the information.

Technical writing is arguably harder than other types of writing because it must be clear and to the point. Good technical writing shouldn?t leave any room for imagination and it must anticipate and resolve whatever doubts or troubles might develop in the minds of readers. This aspect of technical writing is frequently communicated in ?frequently asked questions? and ?trouble shooting?.

Expectations for technical writers can seemhigh, which makes a career in technical writing a great choice for a lot of writers or others who have great organizational, grammar and communicating skills.

Technical writing commands a good salary and is frequently available to freelancers as well as onsite employees. There are many training programs available for people who want to enter the field of technical writing.

If you have limited budget or manpower, change management consultants can handle the job for you. MPTech Consulting is a change management consultancy for companies in the Northwest and around the country. For expert change management consulting services, contact

Source: http://www.1directory.net/writing-speaking/what-is-technical-writing-3156.html

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