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Technical writing provides technical, business, or educational information in a clear and concise way. It includes “how to” guides, business communication, instructional textbooks, and requires creativity to engage readers. Technical writers must be clear and anticipate questions. It offers good career opportunities with high demand and training programs available.
Anyone who has ever assembled a bookshelf, tried to operate a DVD player, or read an owner’s manual has encountered technical writing. This type of writing aims to provide technical, business, or educational information in a way that helps readers understand a topic. It is stylistically different from creative writing and is often primarily informational. There are full-time and freelance opportunities in this field, and employers often require written training.
Forms of technical writing
Technical writing is among the most widely read types of written communication, probably surpassed only by advertising and popular literature. “How to” guides, for example, are a common and popular form of this writing. Examples of these guides include a recipe for a particular dish or instructions for using a cell phone.
This type of writing, intended for the general public, is only one aspect of this field. Companies use it extensively to communicate information to management, employees and other companies. Such writing in business may include training manuals, guidelines or employee handbooks, and internal explanations of new products or services.
Instructional textbooks are also considered a form of technical writing. A photography textbook, for example, informs the reader about how to optimize lighting when photographing a subject and how to use a special effects camera. Most textbooks communicate information through a technical style with the primary purpose of instruction and instruction.
Differences between technical and other writing formats
Whether it’s technology information, building instructions, or an owner’s manual, technical writing aims to deliver a clear, concise, and helpful message to readers. While very different from creative writing such as fiction and poetry, a technical writer must have some degree of creativity. Technical writings can get boring, so a good writer devises ways to engage their intended audience to help readers understand the information. This can be achieved through vivid examples of concepts and by drawing connections between technical and creative ideas.
Technical writing can be more difficult than other forms of writing because it needs to be clear and to the point. Good writing of this kind should leave no room for interpretation and must anticipate and answer any questions or problems a reader may have. Readers often see this in the “FAQ” and “Troubleshooting” sections of a tech job.
Careers for technical writers
Demand for technical writers is high, making a career in technical writing a great option for individuals with strong organizational, grammar, and written communication skills. Technical writing can offer a good salary for both freelancers and on-site employees. There are many training programs available for people looking to enter this field, and a language or writing degree can help prepare someone for this career. Employers range from manufacturers needing written instruction manuals, to food magazines looking for writers to expand on a recipe’s basic outline.
