Paula Jean F.

Naco
BSCE 3-4

Technical Writing
Technical writing is any written form of writing or drafting technical communication used in
a variety of technical and occupational fields, such as computer
hardware and software, engineering,chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance,medical, cons
umer electronics, and biotechnology. It encompasses the largest sub-field within technical
communication.

Technical writing is a type of writing where the author is writing about a particular subject
that requires direction, instruction, or explanation. This style of writing has a very different
purpose and different characteristics than other writing styles such as creative writing,
academic writing or business writing.

Forms of Technical Writing

Technical writers help their readers make sense of complex information by breaking it into
digestible pieces and giving it clarity and focus. Fueled partly by advances in science and
technology, the field is expanding with a projected growth of 17 percent from 2010 to 2020,
according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. What form technical writing takes
depends on the purpose of the finished writing project.

User Documentation
Technical writers compose instruction materials that accompany products including consumer
electronics, home appliances and items such as furniture that require assembly before use.
Repair manuals, reviews and product comparisons are also examples of end-user technical
writing. In the software industry, technical writers produce application manuals, content for
support websites and FAQs. Prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals come with
information about dosing, side effects and interactions to instruct patients on proper use.

Technical Information
Programmers and engineers depend on white papers, project specifications and reference
guides to design software and other products. Researchers write observation reports, data
analyses and papers for specialized scientific journals. During product development and testing
in a wide variety of fields, technical writers produce usability reports that help designers
improve a products form and function.

Business Writing
Many examples of technical writing are found in the business world. Businesses use technical
writing styles such as forms, business letters, memos, newsletters and minutes from meetings on
a daily basis. Companies produce strategic plans and mission statements. They also publish
annual reports for investors. Human resources departments must compile policy manuals,
training guides and job descriptions. Entrepreneurs design business plans as part of
presentations to potential investors. Mergers and partnerships require legal documents.

Requirements for a Position

Generally, a technical writer needs a degree in a field that emphasizes language, such as
English, communications or journalism. Depending on the job, a technical writer might also need
specialized knowledge. For example, a medical writer will need to have training in medical
terminology, research methods and data analysis. A portfolio of previous work is valuable
during the interview process so potential employers can evaluate a writers skills. Technical
writers must be detail-oriented and able to write precise, to-the-letter instructions and reports,
and they have to advocate for the reader. That is, they need to be able to identify with a user who
has little experience or prior knowledge. A technical writer must value collaboration so he can
work with professionals such as engineers, scientists and software developers to effectively
present information to others.