7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
1/23
Understanding
What Writing Is
(Harry Shaw, 1986)
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
2/23
Misconception 1:
Writing is a form of speaking.
A speech has been called an esswalking on its legs, but effectivespeaking is quite different from trendering of a written compositi
Written communication has beenprepared according to requiremeand specifications not applying t
speaking.
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
3/23
Key points:
More relaxedin talking than writinworriedabout rules and errors
In speaking, our sentences are shoshould be than many we might c
in writing.
Language is usually more directansimplerin speech than in writing.
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
4/23
Take
note!
Most people are more eye-mindedtear-minded.
Being able to speak well is no guara
that one can write well. Many effecttalkers are poor writers; few accomwriters are good speakers.
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
5/23
Misconception 2:Writing should be as easy and simpspeaking.
Perhaps if we had been writing aas and as much as we have beenspeaking, writing would be easie
simpler.
Most people speak more words imonth than they write in a lifetim
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
6/23
Misconception 3:
Writing requires inspiration.
Success in writing depends uponconstant, unremitting, earnestapplication and not upon so-calle
flashes of inspiration and suddbursts of effort.
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
7/23
Caught quotes!
The necessity of writing something,embarrassment produced by theconsciousness of having nothing to sathe desire to exhibit abilityare three
sufficient to render even a great manridiculous. Voltaire
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
8/23
Caught quotes!
There is no substitute for hard workGenius is one percent inspiration anninety-nine percentperspiration. Thomas Edison
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
9/23
Misconception 3:Writing is a complicated series of Dand DONTs.
A major reason for the tightening partial paralysis, of people startingis their attitude.
Actually, nearly everyone who cancommunicate by speaking knows qenough grammar to write effecti
What is bothersome is not gramm
usage.
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
10/23
Technical Writi
Defined
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
11/23
A written communication about varioutechnical subjects in sciences, engineeritechnology.
It is a specialized, structured way of wrwhere information is presented in aformmannerthat best suits the cognitive and
psychologicalneeds of the readers.It is ideally characterized by an attitud
impartialityand objectivityfor accuracy
precision of information.
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
12/23
Examples of Technical Works
Progress reports, technical notebooks,
memoranda, proposals, letters, referencdocuments, corporate annual reports, padisclosure, promotional brochures,specifications, technical bulletins, instru
manuals, handbooks, text books, magazarticles, assembly instructions, contractscertification and accreditation activities,presentations, corporate disclaimers
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
13/23
Technical versus
Literary Writing
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
14/23
Technical Literary
Scientific/ Technical
Gene
Generally a
Specific
Formal
Informative/Instructional
Infor
Informative-E
Subject
Readership
Format
Purpose
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
15/23
Technical Literary
Literal/Direct/Denotative
Persona
Figurative/Indire
Impersonal/Simple
Serious/Unemotional
Objective/neutral
Light/Conv
Subjective/O
Language
Style
Tone
Content
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
16/23
Basic Principles o
Technical Writin
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
17/23
Technical writing is written for a
specific person or group of peopleor imaginary, and they are assume
be intelligent but uninformed.
Technical writing is written for apurpose. (conciseness and coheren
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
18/23
Technical writing uses simple,concrete, andfamiliarlanguage.
Technical writing should always the three parts: introduction, contand conclusion.
Technical writing must bepresenand attractive.
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
19/23
Qualities of A
Good Report
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
20/23
Available on the date that it is d
(punctuality)Creates a good impression if it is
picked up and read through
Has the important preliminariesidentify the report and disclose i
purpose and scope
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
21/23
Has a body that provides the
necessary information and that
written clearly without jargon orpadding
Has a summary or conclusions th
reveal the results obtained
Reads coherently and cumulativ
from beginning to end
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
22/23
Is so designed that it can be read
understood selectively: for insta
by some users, only the abstractother users, only the introductio
conclusions and by still other use
the entire reportAnswers readers questions as th
questions arise in their minds
7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro
23/23
Has a rational and readily discer
plan which is revealed in the tab
contents and a series of headingthroughout the report
Conveys an overall impression o
authority, thoroughness, soundand honest work