2. WHAT IS TECHNICAL WRITING?
Tip: Use graphics to set the
tone of the speech.
3. (CARMEL T. MOSURA AND ESCOLASTICA S. TENORIO, 1999)
TECHNICAL WRITING IS A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
WHICH BY NATURE HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF
BUSINESS, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY.
IT FOCUSES ON AUDIENCE SELECTION.
IT MAKES USE OF PRECISE, ECONOMICAL, AND
UNEMOTIONAL LANGUAGE
IT EMPLOYS TECHNICAL JARGON.
IT USES CERTAIN CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL
FORMAT
4. BASIC CHARACTERISTICS
OF TECHNICAL WRITING
(GORDON H. MILLS AND JOHN A. WALTER, 1981
1.TECHNICAL WRITING IS CHARACTERIZED BY
CERTAIN FORMAL ELEMENTS SUCH AS:
A. ITS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL VOCABULARY
B. ITS USE OF GRAPHIC AIDS
C. ITS USE OF CONVENTIONAL REPORT FORM
5. BASIC CHARACTERISTICS
OF TECHNICAL WRITING
(GORDON H. MILLS AND JOHN A. WALTER, 1981
2. TECHNICAL WRITING IS IDEALLY CHARACTERIZED
A. BY THE MAINTENANCE OF ATTITUDE OR
IMPARTIALITY AND OBJECTIVITY
B. BY EXTREME CARE TO CONVEY INFORMATION
ACCURATELY AND CONCRETELY
C. BY THE ABSENCE OF ANY ATTEMPT TO AROUSE
EMOTION
6. BASIC CHARACTERISTICS
OF TECHNICAL WRITING
(GORDON H. MILLS AND JOHN A. WALTER, 1981
3. TECHNICAL WRITING IS WRITING IN WHICH THERE IS A
RELATIVELY HIGH CONCENTRATION OF CERTAIN COMPLEX AND
IMPORTANT WRITING TECHNIQUES SUCH AS
A. DEFINITIONS
B. DESCRIPTION OF MECHANISMS
C. DESCRIPTION OF A PROCESS
D. CLASSIFICATION AND INTERPRETATION
E. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
7. FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF TECHNICAL WRITING
1. CONCRETE LANGUAGE – concrete words are preferred over
abstract words.
2. DENOTATIVE LANGUAGE - favors the use of dictionary or lexical
meaning of the word
3. OBJECTIVITY - strives for impartial, impersonal, or unemotional
weighing of evidence and information.
4. TARGETED & DEFINED AUDIENCE - helps the writer what to write
about and how to write it.
5. STYLE – economical, clear, concise, and concrete
6. COMMON FORMAT – adhere to the use of standard layouts and
formats.
8. FUNCTIONS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
1. TO SERVE AS BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS
2. TO FURNISH NEEDED INFORMATION
3. TO GIVE INSTRUCTIONS
4. TO RECORD BUSINESS THROUGH PROPOSALS
5. TO PROCURE BUSINESS THROUGH PROPOSALS
6. TO SERVE AS BASIS FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS
7. TO PROVIDE REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS OF
COMPANIES
9. Importance of Knowledge
TECHNICAL WRITING (Kurtus, 2003)
Knowledge
rules of writing
subject matter
use of writing tools
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL
Skill
better the work
enhance your career
through study through application
10. Key Qualities of a Technical Writer
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Strong people skills, including diplomacy
• Active listening skills
• Strong technical curiosity, with technology being a
major part of life
• Experience positive working relationship directly with
a technical team
11. Qualities of a Good Technical Report
• Accuracy
• Objectivity
• Clarity
• Conciseness
• Continuity
• Writing Style
12. Qualities of a Good Technical Report
Accuracy
• Values are transferred correctly into the
report.
• Calculations are done properly.
• Have another person proofread the
report.
13. Qualities of a Good Technical Report
Objectivity
• Data must be evaluated honestly and without
bias.
• Conclusions should be drawn solely from the
facts presented.
• Deficiencies in the testing or the results should
be noted.
• Readers should be informed of all assumptions.
14. Qualities of a Good Technical Report
Clarity
• The text must be clear and unambiguous.
• Mathematical symbols must be fully defined.
• Tables and figures must be easily understood.
• Object of standard size must be included in the
photograph.
• Clarity must be met from a reader’s point of
view.
15. Qualities of a Good Technical Report
Conciseness
• Reports should be concisely written.
• Include all details needed to fully document
• Explain the work but keep it as brief as possible.
• Conciseness is especially important in the
abstract and conclusion sections.
16. Qualities of a Good Technical Report
Continuity
• Reports should be organized in a logical
manner.
• Start with an outline of the paper, making good
use of headings.
• Introduce the subject matter, provide the
detailed information, summarize the results
and conclusions.
17. Qualities of a Good Technical Report
Writing Style
• The personal style of the writer should be
secondary to the clear and objective
communication of information.
• Writers should strive to make their reports
interesting and enjoyable to read.
