Engl 316Technical Communication

Technical Communication and User-based Texts

Obviously this is a course in technical writing. But what is "technical writing"? Actually, technical writing is a general name for a broad range of document types, everything from a set of instructions to a business plan to a scientific report. Technical communication describes writing in many professional fields, including business, medicine, and hard sciences (like engineering, physics, and chemistry). Technical writing looks at information from a scientific and technical viewpoint.

Despite differences, all technical documents have one common factor: they are all user-based. While the reader of a novel may seek entertainment, the reader of technical documents seeks information and answers to questions. Such readers need to be able to quickly access, find, and understand information that will assist them with the task or question at hand. Consequently, an effective technical communicator will carefully assess her audience's needs before creating a technical document. It is this user-oriented nature of technical writing that separates it from creative writing, literary writing, or journalism.

Some feel that technical writing occupies one end of the writing spectrum and creative writing the other. However, poets and technical writers have much in common. Both are likely to make heavy use of metaphor and other familiar comparisons to convey understanding. Both must provide compelling reasons as to why their ideas are important. And if they are to be successful, both must determine the most appropriate format in which to present their ideas.

Many times, students express frustration with the somewhat "dry" and formal nature of technical writing. Because of this, students at times try to turn the writing assignments for this course into creative writing assignments, complete with plot lines and flowery descriptions. Unfortunately, such writing destroys the professionalism and user-oriented nature of technical writing. Additionally, these students misunderstand the highly creative nature of technical communication. Though users of technical documents do not want a set of instructions written in iambic pentameter, they do want a document that shows thoughtful creativity in organization and visual appeal. Technical writers must constantly expand their creative abilities to find new and improved ways to present information effectively to their audiences.