Technical Writing Tips

							Technical Writing Tips

Technical writing only means that the writing is about technical subjects. Main purpose of technical
writing is to explain to the interested people the features of a product, process or equipment. Generally
the article describes in a clear language how the product works, how to get long lasting optimal
performance from the product and how the product has to be maintained periodically to ensure its
reliable performance over long periods of time. The technical writing may also include what are the
performance parameters of the product or equipment and what are the tests to be conducted on the
product to ensure that the performance of the product is within acceptable limits.

Technical writing is also used to explain various technologies in order to familiarize people in the correct
and efficient use of technology. This aspect is all the more important today, because of the explosive
developments taking place in technology in all areas. Teaching the general public about use of available
technologies to vastly improve their life is one of the main purposes of technical writing.

Before starting the technical writing, we have to understand the nature of the readers to whom it is
targeted. This is most important to ensure that the intended purpose is achieved. This will decide the
style of language to be used and the level of discussion. For example if the readers consist of non-
technical people, then explanation has to go down to fundamental aspects. On the other hand if the
readers are made of well experienced people, then they may feel humiliated if explanation goes down
to basic levels.

In technical writing, clarity is most important. To ensure clarity, the author has to use simple and precise
language so that, people will easily and readily understand what is written. Illustrating the points with
examples will be very useful to make the readers understand very easily.

Explanation of various topics should be done systematically and logically in a proper sequence.
Development of topic should be done step by step in correct sequence. Special care has to be taken to
totally avoid creation of confusion among readers.

Attracting and keeping the attention of the readers is an important feature of any good technical article.
The author of the article has to make deliberate efforts to make the article sufficiently attractive and
interesting to read.

Readers of technical articles will be more comfortable if the author uses active voice and present tense
generally. It is better to expand abbreviations and explain if any jargons are used, to facilitate ready and
easy understanding. The purpose is to make sure that the reader is not put off from continuing reading.

Cluttering the page with the written matter should be avoided. Eyes of readers will be more relaxed if
there are white spaces between written portions. This can motivate the reader to continue reading.

Technical writing should display humility and simplicity of the author. Styles of pomp and show will not
be liked by readers. Especially authors of technical articles have a tendency to show off their knowledge
and they are likely to use jargons to impress the readers. But readers will not like this style at all. On the
other hand authors have to concentrate on how to make the reader easily understand the topics
discussed by using language and style which can be readily understood.

Once the technical writing is completed, the author has to spend sufficient time with lot of patience to
check his article for mistakes of grammar and spelling. Some words, phrases or sentences may have to
be changed to ensure precise conveyance of intended meaning and purpose.

If the technical writing is meant for internet, proper inclusion of key words must be ensured.

Technical writing should reflect positive outlook and optimistic approach. Negativity should be totally
avoided. After reading the article, the reader should feel happy, hopeful and motivated. After all, it is
our responsibility to contribute for the creation of a happier world around us.