1.1 What is technical writing?
Did you know technical writing is everywhere?
Did you know that you probably read or create technical writing every day without even realizing it? If you notice signs on your way to work, check the calories on the cereal box, email your professor with a question about your grade, or follow instructions to make a withdrawal from an ATM, you are involved with technical writing.
Good communication skills, particularly in writing, are essential for your success in the workplace and in your personal life. The working world depends on written communication because, within modern organizations, almost every action is documented in writing. Furthermore, many kinds of writing, including email correspondence, presentations using visuals like PowerPoint, progress reports, and final reports are prevalent in most workplaces. And the writing must be accurate, clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
How do we define technical writing in this book?
In this book, the word “document” refers to any of the many forms of technical writing, whether it be a webpage, an instruction manual, a podcast script, a lab report, or a travel brochure.
Specifically, technical writing involves communicating complex information to a specific audience who will use it to accomplish a task or make a decision. Whether you write an email to a customer, develop a presentation or report, design a sales flyer, or create a webpage, you are a technical communicator.
How will being a good technical communicator benefit you?
Verbal and written communication proficiency is consistently ranked in the top ten desirable skills by employer surveys year after year. In fact, high-powered business executives sometimes hire consultants to coach them in sharpening their communication skills. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the following are the top five personal qualities or skills potential employers seek:
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- Communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork skills (works well with others, group communication)
- Initiative
- Analytical skills
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Knowing this, you can see that one way for you to be successful and increase your promotion potential is to increase your abilities to speak and write effectively.
An individual with excellent communication skills is an asset to every organization. No matter what career you plan to pursue; learning to express yourself professionally in speech and in writing will help you get there.
Check out this video for more ideas about the kinds of writing that will be expected of you, especially if you are in a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) field.
Student Activity #1
After reading this chapter, reflect on these questions:
- What are some ways you use technical communication every day? In your personal life? In the workplace? In school?
- What writing skills do you hope to practice in this course? What skills do you have confidence in?
- In your future job, how might you use technical communication?
- Is there anything in this chapter that didn’t make sense to you? What would you like to know more about?
CHAPTER ADAPTED FROM:
Huntsman, Sherena. “What is Technical Communication.” An Introduction to Technical Writing.
[CC BY 4.0]
“Why Is It Important to Communicate Well?” Business Communication for Success. [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0]
VIDEO ATTRIBUTION:
Darrin McGraw and Tara Knight for the Writing Program in Culture, Art, and Technology at Sixth College, University of California – San Diego. “Writing in the Workplace, Pt. 1” YouTube.com.