Lesson 1 Intro to Technical Writing.pdf

TECHNICAL WRITING (Definition, Differences, Characteristics, Types, Value) LEARNING OUTCOMES: LO1: Define and differentiate technical writing from other styles in writing LO2: Trace the history of technical writing LO3: Recognize the importance of technical...

TECHNICAL WRITING (Definition, Differences, Characteristics, Types, Value) LEARNING OUTCOMES: LO1: Define and differentiate technical writing from other styles in writing LO2: Trace the history of technical writing LO3: Recognize the importance of technical writing through the different end products/outputs LO4: Distinguish the types of technical writing through its characteristics Lesson Proper: WHAT IS TECHNICAL WRITING? Technical writing is the process of gathering information from experts and presenting it to an audience in a clear, easily understandable form. (The Society for Technical Communication) It is a type of writing where the author is writing about a particular subject that requires direction, instruction, or explanation. (Yourdictionary.com) It is a specialized form of exposition: that is, written communication used in technical and occupational fields especially in fields with specialized vocabularies such as science, engineering, technology, and the health sciences. It is producing written outputs about the three fields of knowledge: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and ENGINEERING. (computer hardware and software, engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance, medical, consumer electronics, biotechnology, and forestry) It is type of writing that displays information on the paper to get results. It is within the writer’s field of profession or area of discipline composed of readers who are familiar with the technical writer’s subject matter and writing style. HISTORY OF TECHNICAL WRITING A. It has been recognized as a profession since World War II. B. Aristotle’s works’ Classical Antiquity (384-322 BC) and Doctrines of Pythagoras are recognized as the earliest forms of technical writing. C. Geoffrey Chaucer’s work “Treatise on the Astrolabe” (dated 1326,an instrument used for measuring the distance of stars, planets and for calculating the position of a ship) is an example of technical document and the first technical document published. D. With the invention of printing (15th Century), document findings became a necessity. Inventors and scientists like Isaac Newton and Leonardo da Vinci chronicled their inventions and findings. E. It grew more during the Industrial revolution (new manufacturing processes-yr.1760- 1840) due to the need to instruct people how to use complex machines. F. During the 20th century, the need skyrocketed and the profession finally became officially recognized. The events in World War 1 and 2 led to advances in medicine, military hardware, computer and aerospace technologies. G. Following World War II, technological advances led to an increase in consumer goods and standards of living. Public services like libraries and universities, as well as transport systems like buses and highways saw massive growth and the need for writers to chronicle all these increases. H. Instruction manual for the BINAC computer written by Joseph D. Chapline in 1949 was the first computational technical document. I. In 1953, two organizations were founded: the Society of Technical Writers and the Association of Technical Writers and Editors. Today, they are known as Society for Technical Communication. (STC) J. During the 1960s, saw the growth of technology particularly in electronics and space industries.1970s and 1980s were marked by the expansion of the consumer electronics into people’s lives. In 1980s PCs arrived in the workplace, accompanied by large manuals with names such as “Guide to Operation”. HOW IS TECHNICAL WRITING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FORMS AND STYLES OF WRITING? 1. The subject matter is more important than the writer's voice. It uses an objective, not a subjective, tone and it is direct and utilitarian, emphasizing exactness and clarity rather than elegance or allusiveness. 2. Mike Markel notes in "Technical Communication," "The biggest difference between technical communication and the other kinds of writing you have done is that technical communication has different focus on audience and purpose.“ 3. Computer Science Professor Raymond Greenlaw notes that: "writing style in technical writing is more prescriptive than in creative writing. In technical writing, we are not so much concerned about entertaining the audience as we are about conveying specific information to our readers in a concise and precise manner.“ 4. The definite purpose, strict format and use of appropriate language in technical writing define the differences between technical writing and academic writing. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TECHNICAL AND NON-TECHNICAL WRITING ASPECT TECHNICAL WRITING NON-TECHNICAL WRITING a. Content factual, straight forward imaginative, metaphoric, symbolic b. Audience specific general c. Purpose inform, persuade, instruct entertain, provoke, captivate d. Style formal, standard, academic informal, artistic, figurative e. Tone objective subjective f. Vocabulary specialized general, evocative g. Organization sequential, systematic arbitrary, artistic h. Visual Aids tables, drawings, charts, words that can fully narrate or graphs, maps and others to describe what the writer’s want facilitate comprehension to put across CHARACTERISTICS OF TECHNICAL WRITING 1. It has technical subject matter. 2. It has a formal aspect. 3. It uses scientific point of view.  4. It uses special techniques – include: definition, description of a mechanism, and description of a process. 5. It is clear and straight forward. 6. The language is very direct and straight to the point. 7. It is very detailed and informative. 8. It is very structured. USES OF TECHNICAL WRITING - For example, instructions of all sorts are a perfect example of technical writing. When you open up an instruction manual, as the reader, the goal is to be informed about the product so that you can use it as efficiently as possible. - Lab reports are another example of technical writing. The main purpose of a lab report is to explain the occurrences in a lab so that others will be able to gain information. - Driving directions can be considered a type of technical writing as the goal is to clearly and efficiently provide instructions on how to go from point A to point B. - Overall, technical writing is a very useful form of writing that is encountered by everyone almost every day. SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF TECHNICAL WRITING A. Business letters I. Instructions for assembling a product B. Oral reports; kinds of reports J. Memoranda C. Graphic aids K. Proposals D. Instruction manuals L. Brochures E. Policy manuals M. Abstracts F. Process manuals N. Specifications G. User manuals O. Press release H. Reports of analysis -0-