Nature and definition of technical writing

 Technical writing is a type of writing where the author is writing about a particular subject that
requires direction, instruction, or explanation.
 Technical Writing is straightforward, easy to understand explanation and or instructions dealing
with particular subject. It is an efficient clearway of explaining something and how it works.
 the focus for technical-writing is not necessarily career as a technical writer but an introduction to the
kinds of writing skills we need in practically any technically oriented professional job.

Purpose of technical writing

 To inform
It is written to make another person understand or to do something. It is designed to fulfill a need to tell and
a need to know.
 To analyze events and their implications
It will explain how a certain systems failed. This system may include education, socioeconomic, political
and the needed change.
 To persuade and influence decisions
It will show how a business or an industry succeeds.

Functions of technical writing

 To serve as a basis for management decision.

 To furnish needed information
 To give instructions
 To explain techniques
 To report achievements
 To analyze problem areas
 To determine design and system requirements
 To serve as a basis for public relation
 To provide report to stockholders of companies
 To develop a product
 To provide service

Subject Matter

 A technical writer must have a thorough knowledge of the subject that he is to write about. If the report is
on the result of a technical experiment, the writer who writes the report should explain what the problem is
all about , what causes the problem and how the problem is solved.

Basic Principles of Technical Writing

 Understand the reader

 Knowing the purpose of each article or report
 Knowing the subject matter
 Writing objectively
 Using correct format
 Adopting ethical standards