What Is The Primary Aim of Technical Writing
What Is The Primary Aim of Technical Writing
What Is The Primary Aim of Technical Writing
Technical writing is targeted to readers who are looking for information on a particular
topic. The goal in targeting this group is to make sure that the information provided is clear,
concise and easy for anyone to understand.
This type of writing is somewhat difficult for some people as it requires that you are able to
translate information that is sometimes hard to comprehend into terms that anyone will be able to
read and follow along with, without an issue. While there are different types of writing that are
informative, technical writing is the type that most clearly focuses on presenting information in a
specific way so that people can use the information for a variety of purposes.
Format
The way you present your technical data is also very important from the user's point of
view. For instance, suppose you have explained complex technical data in the most
simple manner, yet it won't hold the attention of the user if it is presented as one big
paragraph. The point is, you go to be creative when it comes to formatting your technical
data. Your technical data must be divided into sub heads. If it is an instruction manual,
then instead of sub heading go for bulleted format. However, if the sequence of
instructions holds priority, one should go for numbered list. Key points pertaining to
precautions or warnings may be emphasized using bullets. A document presented in a
well-organized manner is very easy to read and the important data that the user is looking
for is available at a glance. To make data easily accessible, one can give technical
specification of any product in a tabular form. You also need to complement your
descriptive technical data with a graphic image of the product in focus. This is visually
appealing and will definitely arrest the attention of the most casual viewer.
5. Discuss the five basic principles of technical writing
The five basic principles of good technical writing could be taken as the foundation
on which further development of the skills in writing should be developed. Comments by
different authors of technical writing books refer to these principles as so important that in
fact it should comprise the basics of technical writing. However, these principles are so basic
and important that it encompasses the whole development of the subject, technical writing.
1. Always have in mind a specific reader, real or imaginary, when you are writing a report;
and always assume that this reader is intelligent, but uninformed.
2. Before you start to write, always decide what the exact purpose of your report is; and
make sure that every paragraph, every sentence, every word, makes a clear contribution
to that purpose, and makes it at the right time.
3. Use language that is simple, concrete, and familiar.
4. At the beginning and end of every section of your report check your writing according to
this principle: First you tell your readers what you are going to tell them, then you tell
them, and then you tell them what you have told them."
5. Make your report attractive to look at.