This document introduces technical writing and communication. It defines technical writing as communicating specialized knowledge to both experts and non-experts in a way that is adapted to the audience. Technical writing covers any specialized topic, not just computers or science. The document emphasizes that technical writers must deliver technical information to readers of varying backgrounds and levels of understanding. It lists many forms of technical writing and notes that the course will focus on business letters, proposals, presentations and reports.

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING
Technical communications—or technical writing, as the course is often called—is not
writing about a specific technical topic such as computers, but about any technical topic.
The term "technical" refers to knowledge that is not widespread, that is more the territory
of experts and specialists. Whatever your major is, you are developing an expertise—you
are becoming a specialist in a particular technical area. And whenever you try to write or
say anything about your field, you are engaged in technical communications.
Another key part of the definition of technical communications is the receiver of the
information—the audience. Technical communications is the delivery of technical
information to readers (or listeners or viewers) in a manner that is adapted to their needs,
level of understanding, and background. In fact, this audience element is so important
that it is one of the cornerstones of this course: you are challenged to write about
technical subjects but in a way that a beginner could understand.
Forms of technical writing…
• Business letters
• Assembly instructions
• Contracts
• Certification guides
• Annual business reports
• Corporate disclaimers
• Developer Guides
• Feature Design documentation
• Getting Started cards or guides
• Maintenance and repair procedures
• Industrial film or video scripts
• Installation guides
• Magazine articles
• Business policies
• Business procedures
• Presentations
• Business proposals
• Reference documents
• Reports
• Scientific reports
• Specifications
• Technical papers
• Training materials
• Troubleshooting guides
• Tutorials (multimedia)
In this course, we will be focusing on business letters, proposals, speeches, presentations,
and reports. You will use information that you already know as well as “made up”
company information to create these documents.