What is Technical Writing: A Complete Guide 2024 Edition

Download ebook

Introduction

What do technical writers do as a part of their writings?

Technical writers break complicated concepts into simpler pieces.  Make it easy to understand. Then they organize these simple pieces of information in a logical manner.

Using this way of simpler explanation, the technical writers write manuals, video tutorials, and online help systems. This method of simplifying complex matter into an easy-to-understand format favours the end-user to learn how to use products and services that are a part of their daily life. You can attain these skills by enrolling in a Technical Writing Course.

The other technical documentation, technical writers create includes instruction manuals, user manuals, white papers, quick reference guides, and journal articles. Additionally, they create content for web pages, press releases, and social media posts as well.

In technical writing, readers expect clear and easy access to information. Documents should be written in specific formats, using clear language. So, the readers can thoroughly understand the written materials without spending much time. Thus, technical writers facilitate effective and efficient communication by respecting and recognizing their readers’ time.

Nowadays, technology and business are interwoven in one or other forms. Hence, being mindful of time is a crucial element of business profit. We all know, revenue is the reason at the back of all business collaborations. So, efficient Technical Writing is crucial for business development. Do you want to have expertise in Technical Writing? Take a look at Henry Harvin Writing Academy’s Technical Writing Course.

Types of Technical Writing

It’s time to learn more about what types of technical writing there are. There are five types of technical writing available, and if you are driven to write about the technical side, you can have a rewarding career.

In technical writing, we can find everything from fully written white papers to detailed technical reports. Since these types of content are common, chances are there you’ve come across them at some point in your career or personal life.

Technical writers are high in demand, and it is a growing field. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what these varied types of technical writings are.

All technical writings should be informative, detailed, and digestible.

The technical writings are divided into three sections.

Expert to Expert Technical Writing

This type of technical writing is done by subject matter experts for other experts. Its purpose is to help a professional in a specific field to get information promptly or to get deep knowledge of complex topics. In legal documents, white papers, research summaries, and studies are examples of expert-to-expert writings.

End-User Technical Writing

Customers or users need to understand how to install, use, and repair certain products or tools they have purchased. The aim of this type of writing is to assist the end-users, therefore, end-user technical writings appear in user manuals, website help centers, legal disclaimers, and handbooks of employees.

Technological promotion writing

Technological promotion writing is being used in business-to-business (B2B) writing. When companies want to sell their products and services to other businesses, they use Tech promotion writings in case studies, annual reports, and pitch decks.

Features of Technical Writings

Let’s see what are the features that differentiate, technical writings from any other form of writings. Technical documents use business writing styles. Here are some of the High lights of Technical Writings. Technical documents should have a clear structure, so it becomes easy for readers to follow along.

• Instructions should be written in step-by-step format; it enables the audience’s quick understanding.
• There is no place for imagination in technical writing. It should be detailed, and informative. The explanation should be comprehensive.
• Clear, concise sentences are critical for technical writings.
• Do not use literary devices, instead, the technical writers should provide information in a straightforward manner.
• Technical writings should be easy enough for readers to scan through the entire documents, to find out the required information they are looking for.
• Accurate language should be used in technical writings to explain objects and processes. 
• Do not use eloquent writing styles or jargon that a layperson cannot understand, while writing end-user manuals.  
• Incorporating meaningful headings and indexes in Technical writing will be helpful for readers.

What are the guidelines to consider as a technical writer?

Target Audience

Before creating the content as a technical writer you need to identify the specific group of readers whom you are going to write. Once you recognized your intended readers, create an ideal reader’s persona, keep this ideal reader in mind to write the content. For example, creating a cell phone or washing machine user manual for a consumer who has less technical knowledge.

State the objective of your piece of writing

Have a clear aim, make it as specific as possible, so you can produce suitable content.  Think of this goal as a reference, it will help you to list the points you want to write about. Therefore, you will be covering all information that is needed to complete the intended document.  If you can write the goal of your writing, in one sentence, you are prepared for writing. For example, what is the purpose of your writing “Is it to sell a product or tool by pointing its benefit?”

Suppose you bought an item and tried to assemble it by reading the provided instructions. However, you couldn’t because the instruction manual lacked sufficient step by step, guidance. This is unsatisfactory technical writing, and it did not convey the needed information.

Always make sure your technical writing has enough information to serve its intended purpose. 

The type of language should be plain English

Your technical writing has a correct style, and it needs to be direct and professional.

Avoid flowery languages in technical documents. Active voice is easy to understand.  Use precise words for the context. Minimize the use of pronouns such as “that” and “it” as it will make your Technical writing difficult to understand.

When you write an instructional manual to the users, having several steps to follow, write it in sequential order. Eliminate unnecessary words to make your technical writing clear and brief.

Do use jargon in technical writings even if you are a subject matter expert. It will be difficult for non-expert readers or general readers to understand. Additionally, if you use abbreviations, provide their full terms in parentheses.

Clear visual representations are helpful for the readers.  Also, make sure your text’s fonts, sizing, and layout is good enough for the readers to follow through.

Some examples of Traditional Technical Writings

Request for Proposal (RFP) – An RFP is parallel to a Service Legal Agreements (SLA), in that they both explain forthcoming work or services to be completed. An RFP differs from an SLA in that the former is used as a pitch to a prospective purchaser during a bidding period. Thus, the RFP is not an agreement.

Service Legal Agreements (SLA) – An SLA is a mandatory agreement between a supplier and a buyer. It summarizes customer services, guarantees, warranties, and other agreed items between the two parties.

Press Releases – Organizations or agencies make announcements to release key pieces of information, including quotes from major company stakeholders.

Annual Reports – Annual updates on a company’s performance and financial reports to stakeholders.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) – These are documents that show precise methods for doing regular tasks. The purpose of SOP is to confirm several people in an organization can do the same tasks in an equivalent method, thus it ensures the quality is reliable. SOP safeguards co-workers can undertake the duties of an absentee or vacationing employee with the same accuracy in performance, thus minimizing time delay.  

User Manuals – The documents come with several products such as televisions, cellular phones, computers, watches, calculators. A buyer can read and understand how to assemble or operate these purchased products. User manuals generally contain numbered diagrams, photographs, a troubleshooting guide, the warranty, and contact information for customer support.  

White papers -This kind of document define a solution to technological or business challenge.

API guides – The documents are written for the developer community and to explain the application programming interfaces.

Online help systems – It provides content on a webpage, and you can view it in a browser. The content is being produced in help center software.

Software Installation Guides – A computer software guide provides the users a step-by-step installation process.

Now, you learn what are examples of Technical Writing. Are you still interested in developing a career in the technical writing field or any other field of writing?

For that, you need to find a program that fits your career goals, regardless of whether you’re interested in technical writing or creative writing. Are you ready to get started in a technical writing course?

As certification of technical writing course only takes a few months to obtain, it’s a good choice for those seeking a change of career or promotion within their current field.

In comparison to a traditional college degree, certification programs usually focus on a niche within your field and will help you become more marketable in your job market in much less time. Equipped with current work experience, certificate programs can be the right choice for people wanting to improve their existing skillset.

 What are the Technical Writing Careers?

•  Content developers
•  Manual writers
•  Policy writers
•  Communication specialists
•  Editors.

Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing

In technical writing, the writing should be more direct, clear, and concise.  Technical writing’s spotlight is on the organization’s message or product details.

Whereas creative writing’s concentration on imaginative content. Creative writings are to amuse, incite and motivate the reader. No certain readers for creative writings. Anyone can read those.  It gives readers a premise, lesson, and meaning. Sometimes, it could be either entertaining for readers or helpful for their lives.

Technical Writing

• Based on facts and concepts
• Provides straightforward content
• For specific Readers
• Instruct and educate
• The formal and standard style of writing
• How to do things
• Tone is objective
• Organized in a sequential way
• Pictures or diagrams inform and educate.

Creative Writing

• Based on imagination and creativity
• Focus on imaginative and figurative content 
• It has got general readers
• Creative writing is amusing, incite, and encourage
• The artistic and informal style of writing
• Readers get theme, morals, message
• Use narrative elements such as conflict, character, theme, and setting.
• The tone of writing is Subjective
•  Write use general evocative vocabulary
• Creative writing depends on the mindset of the Writer.
• Creative writing graphics give more charm to the topic.

Kinds of Skills A Technical Writer Needs

• Arranging information, laying out the key points in the sensible sequence
• The ability to write plainly, succinctly, and in an impartial style
• Inquisitiveness
• An investigative mind
• A persistence in interacting with busy scientists, engineers, illustrators, researchers, security analysts, designers, product managers, etc.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to write in plain in clear English.
• Ability to learn complex technologies instantly
• Research skills such as interviews, databases, books, online, etc.
• Strong attention to detail.
• As a technical writer, you must maintain consistency
• Interpersonal and cooperation skills
• Need to understand code, programming languages to write accurately.
• Technical Writers need to have online publishing skills such as working content management systems.
• Time management: Technical writers should manage their time well and can handle varied projects simultaneously

Where does a Technical Writer get a placement?

The industries that hire technical writers are:

• Service industry
• Customer support
• Manufacturing sector
• IT industry
• Aerospace
• Defense sector

Companies such as Oracle, Microsoft, Adobe, Google, Amazon, Caterpillar, Hp, Dell, Nokia, etc.

How to become a Technical Writer in 2022?

Are you still interested in pursuing a career in Technical Writing?

Here are some steps for you to consider. Two routes are available. The first one is to go for Technical Writing degree programs, and the second is to get a degree in IT, Computer Science, or Engineering then take up a certificate in Technical Writing.

Get a bachelor’s degree. Select a major that highlights writing or communication. Several universities offer a technical writing degree that will train you for a career in Technical Writing. Take courses that emphasize editing, internet writing, and business writing.  It will improve your skillsets to turn complex concepts into simpler topics.

Enroll in a technical writing course that gives you certification

Taking a course on technical writing is critical, it is highly valued, as it will teach you various ideas that will help you become a better writer.  Technical writing is an in-demand skill, and Companies are always in search of the best writers.  Let me bring your attention to some of the easy things you can do daily to improve your technical writing skills.

Start Reading Technical  books and technical articles

You need to read regularly to develop your vocabulary. Additionally, reading will keep you well-informed of current developments happening in your niche and technical writing domain. Thus, you can maintain the essence of your writing alive.

Practice Technical writing

To learn to write you need to write. You have read many tech articles, tech books, and attended technical writing courses or courses, still, it does not make you the best writer. Then, what else makes you the best writer?  Real technical writing. Begin to write, and keep writing consistently, that will make you a good writer.

How to start your technical writing

1.       Find out a topic

2.       Research on the chosen topic

3.       Write your first draft

4.       Proofread the article two or three times.

5.       Publish this article on your blog.

Be persistent with your technical writing

If you write regularly, it makes you a confident writer, and it renovates your point of view about your own writing as well as writing skills. You can see a massive improvement in your writings. Sometimes, you won’t begin with high-quality material, be patient and consistent in your writing practice. Your dedication will make you a better technical writer.

Familiarize with a common programming language: Knowing popular computer languages such as Java, C++, CSS, Python, etc. will help you while taking up technical writings for designing and writing web pages. Many businesses use online publishing for their documents. Thus, knowing a computer programming language will help you to understand things in a better manner.

You have read a lot about Technical Writing reached here. Perhaps, you may want to know some of the best Technical Writing courses available in 2022.

Are you looking for an innovative technical writing course or courses that help you acquire Technical Writing Skills? If your answer is “YES” I will walk through Henry Harvin Academy’s Technical Writing Course. If you join this course, you can learn the art of converting data and information into documentation and guides.

The features of Henry Harvin Academy’s Technical Writing Course

• It is ranked amongst the top 5 in 2022 by India Today
• Its curriculum has been developed by subject matter experts
• If emphasizes on 100% practical training on Technical Writing
• 24/7 lifetime support
• Access to LMS and Internship
• Interview skills preparation
• 20 hours live online Interactive classes.
• The trainers of Technical Writing courses are industry experts having 15+ working experience.

Learning Advantages of Technical Writing course with Henry Harvin 

• Learn about the ethics in Scientific Communication
• Attain the Ability to prepare thorough Research Proposals
• Learn to Investigate and pinpoint various types of Literature Review
• Successfully Correspond the Technical Details to a non-technical audience
• Attain the skills to Write a Dissertation and research papers for journals
• Restructure your Writing Method to get a better paper in less time
• Learn English Phrases that professional writers use to write in a clear and concise manner
• Understand what to write in the entire section of a Research Paper
• Learn to use free software to make perfect Citations in seconds
• Career Advantages of Technical writing Course of Henry Harvin
• Develop skills for Writing a Thesis, Research Papers, and Technical Content with perfect quality
• This demanding specialization open doors to lucrative Job Opportunities  in India and abroad
• Grab the opportunities of highly rewarding Jobs in technical writing
• Get Promotion in your current domain with the most in-demand skill
• Differentiate your profile from peers for the period of Job Meetings
• Earn a Worthwhile Certification- ‘Certified Technical Writer’ (CTW)
• Update your biz card CTW next to your name – with Hallmark of Global Credential Professional
• Upgrade your CV & LinkedIn Profile with skilled education

Technical Writing Course Syllabus of Henry Harvin

The technical writing course curriculum of Henry Harvin is extensive and it teaches the technical documentation process to advanced technical writing tools. Additionally, you will have support on resume writing as well as soft skills development.

Henry Harvin has one more Technical Writing course the Post Graduate Program in the Technical Writing domain. Let us see what is more in the Post Graduate Technical Course of six months than the Technical Writing Course for one month.

Admission Criteria for Post Graduate Technical Writing Course

 To get admission to this program in Technical Writing an applicant needs to have

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline

• Basic command in English Grammar

• Final year of Graduation (University Students) can also apply

This post-graduate technical writing course includes 5 required courses, 2 elective courses, and two complementary modules on soft skill and resumes writing.

Required Courses of postgraduate technical writing course

1. Technical Writing

2. Content Writing

3. Medical Writing

4. Instructional Design

5. Simulated Technical Writing Projects

Electives Courses of postgraduate technical writing course

1. Earn Online Course

 2. Copywriting

 3. Advanced Excel Course

Complimentary Modules of postgraduate technical writing course

Module 1: Soft Skills Development

Module 2: Resume Writing

Conclusion:

Technical Writing is an in-demand skill in 2022 and beyond. You can start off your technical writing either by learning the technical writing course of one month plus an internship or by enrolling six months post-graduate Technical Writing course. The highlight of 6 months Technical Writing Postgraduate program is you will come out as an industry-ready writer.  This course will equip you with skillsets for how to learn about the product, how to develop the content even if you are a total beginner. Thus, investing six months of time, for a lifetime career, in the Henry Harvin post-graduate technical writing course is a wise choice.  I have prepared this guide after thorough research on the topic.  I hope, this blog will help you in your Technical writing journey.

Recommended reads:

Top 25 Technical Writing Books

Latest Technical Writing Jobs in India in 2022

Top 13 Technical Writing Course Online

FAQ

Q1. What help do I get to solve my doubts after the completion of training?

If you have any doubts after the completion, as a student of Technical Writing, you can access to Learning Management System for one year. Moreover, as alumni of the training institute, you can interact with a network of fellow peers and colleagues. Henry Harvin instructors are also accessible via refresher sessions.  

Q2. In the industrial world, does Technical writing have a high demand?

Technical Writers’ employment is predicted to grow about 8 percent from 2018 to 2028. It is faster than the average of all careers. IT industry as well as other technical fields need professionals with technical writing expertise to successfully document project aspects, create a training guide and its modules, and advertising communications.

Q3. Can I get an opportunity to attend the missed class?

Yes, You can either go through the recorded session or attend the same topic with a different batch. 

Q4. What is the mode of learning for technical writing courses?

Henry Harvin Technical Writing Academy offers live virtual classroom mode learning.

Download ebook