Technical & Scientific WritingTeresa Foxworthy Cook

What is technical writing/communication?

Definitions

• “writing that aims to get work done, to change people by changing the way they do things.” (Riordan)

• taking complex information and making it clear for a lay audience

• “the exchange of information that helps people interact with technology, advance workplace goals, and solve complex problems” (Gurak & Lannon)

Types of Technical Communication

• annual reports• quick guides• scholarly articles• software guides • training materials• promotional

materials• technical reports• proposals• newsletters• manuals• user guides

• instructions• descriptions• letters• memos• procedures• social media content• presentations• podcasts• videos

Who creates these materials?

Two Types of Individuals

• technical communication professionals

• other professionals who write as part of their job

Academic Writing Technical Writing

Audience Singular - Teacher Varied & Changing

Purpose Earn a Grade/Display Knowledge

Complete a Task

Knowledge Base Audience Has More Writer Has More

Page Design Limited Infinite Variety

Differences between Academic & Technical Writing

Major Traits of Technical Writing

• is audience centered

• enhances relationships

• enables readers to act

• occurs within a community

• is interactive

• is appropriate

• is responsible

• is designed

• has definite purposes

Three Primary Purposes of Technical Communication

• to inform• to persuade • to instruct

• Technical Writing in Hollywood – YouTube

ReferencesGurak, Laura and John Lannon. Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace. Boston: Longman, 2010.

Riordan, Daniel. Technical Report Writing Today.