Technical Writing

Technical Writing

1. What is it?

   • Writing about a particular subject that requires direction, instruction/explanation to an audience with varying level of technical knowledge
   • Writing that helps users solve problems with technologies and technical subject matter. (Jeff Grabill, Georgia State University)

2. Characteristics

   • Has specific audience
   • Clear and concise
   • Easy to understand
   • Accurate

3. Types

   • Instructions and procedures
   • Proposals
   • Emails, letters, and memoranda
   • Press Releases
   • Specifications
   • Descriptions
   • Résumés
   • Technical reports

4. Audience

   • Experts
   • Technicians
   • Executives
   • Nonspecialists

5. Purpose

   • To inform
   • To persuade