2. TECHNICALWRITING DEFINED
It is the written communication of engineering and scientific ideas,
concepts, and data presented objectively, logically and accurately
(Borrowick, 1996)
Technical writing is a written communication that results in the production of
documentation related to various kinds of hardware and software products,
including computer and computer programs, industrial machinery, weaponry
and the like.
These documents may be written by technical writers, engineers, computer
analysts and programmers, scientists, and others (Mancuso, 1995).
3. TECHNICALWRITING CHARACTERISTICS
It is objective and impartial.
It follows special techniques.
It uses scientific and technical
vocabulary as well as graphic
devices.
It is written to inform and persuade.
It appeals to audiences with specific
needs.
It is written with specific purpose in
mind.
It follows conventional form in writing.
4. READER CATEGORIES
Executives or Supervisors. Executives or supervisors need to read
reports for them to make decisions based on the findings, evaluations
and recommendations.
Engineers, Scientist, Doctors, Technologies and other related
fields. These scientific and technical professionals need facts,
details, procedures, theories, methods and conclusions which are
relevant in the practice of their professions.
Technicians and Operators. Technicians and operators need
information to troubleshoot, modify, upgrade, maintain and repair or
operate equipment. They need easy-to-read instruction manuals
where they can easily understand and follow procedures.
5. READER CATEGORIES
Students. Students who will be the future technical
professionals need to know and understand what type of
work and writing they are to face when they become
professionals.
Nontechnical Persons. Nontechnical persons read for
interest and information most especially if this affects their
personal and social life.
6. DOCUMENT CATEGORIES
Progress and Periodic Reports. These types of reports
communicate the progress and status of a project to concerned
readers who in turn review and revise decision and many change
course of action as the result of information included in the report.
Recommendation Reports. These types of reports allow the
readers to know the worthy, beneficial, appropriate and/or desirable
suggestions based on the report.
Bids and Proposals. These types of reports are usually submitted
in response to a request from a potential client.
7. DOCUMENT CATEGORIES
Specifications. These contractually communicate the needs of a client to a
supplier of goods or provider of services.
Feasibility Study. This type investigate the economic and technical
practicality of a proposed course of action.
Business Letters and Memos. They are the quickest and most common
forms of communication and are used for purposes such as request for
information or action.
Scientific and Engineering Analyses. These are mathematical
evaluations of scientific and technical systems. Scientific and engineering
analyses are usually essential components of scientific and engineering
reports.
8. DOCUMENT CATEGORIES
Research Reports. These reports are undertaken to show the
results of scientific and socio-technological investigation. These
reports may include analytical as well as laboratory
components.
Laboratory Reports. These reports document laboratory
procedures and their results.
Technical Articles. Technical articles disseminate technical
information to colleagues, and to interested professionals.
