Tech Write Intro

7/23/2019 Tech Write Intro

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Understanding

What Writing Is

(Harry Shaw, 1986)


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Misconception 1:

Writing is a form of speaking.

A speech has been called an esswalking on its legs, but effectivespeaking is quite different from trendering of a written compositi

Written communication has beenprepared according to requiremeand specifications not applying t

speaking.


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Key points:

More relaxedin talking than writinworriedabout rules and errors

In speaking, our sentences are shoshould be than many we might c

in writing.

Language is usually more directansimplerin speech than in writing.


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Take

note!

Most people are more eye-mindedtear-minded.

Being able to speak well is no guara

that one can write well. Many effecttalkers are poor writers; few accomwriters are good speakers.


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Misconception 2:Writing should be as easy and simpspeaking.

Perhaps if we had been writing aas and as much as we have beenspeaking, writing would be easie

simpler.

Most people speak more words imonth than they write in a lifetim


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Misconception 3:

Writing requires inspiration.

Success in writing depends uponconstant, unremitting, earnestapplication and not upon so-calle

flashes of inspiration and suddbursts of effort.


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Caught quotes!

The necessity of writing something,embarrassment produced by theconsciousness of having nothing to sathe desire to exhibit abilityare three

sufficient to render even a great manridiculous. Voltaire


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Caught quotes!

There is no substitute for hard workGenius is one percent inspiration anninety-nine percentperspiration. Thomas Edison


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Misconception 3:Writing is a complicated series of Dand DONTs.

A major reason for the tightening partial paralysis, of people startingis their attitude.

Actually, nearly everyone who cancommunicate by speaking knows qenough grammar to write effecti

What is bothersome is not gramm

usage.


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Technical Writi

Defined


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A written communication about varioutechnical subjects in sciences, engineeritechnology.

It is a specialized, structured way of wrwhere information is presented in aformmannerthat best suits the cognitive and

psychologicalneeds of the readers.It is ideally characterized by an attitud

impartialityand objectivityfor accuracy

precision of information.


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Examples of Technical Works

Progress reports, technical notebooks,

memoranda, proposals, letters, referencdocuments, corporate annual reports, padisclosure, promotional brochures,specifications, technical bulletins, instru

manuals, handbooks, text books, magazarticles, assembly instructions, contractscertification and accreditation activities,presentations, corporate disclaimers


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Technical versus

Literary Writing


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Technical Literary

Scientific/ Technical

Gene

Generally a

Specific

Formal

Informative/Instructional

Infor

Informative-E

Subject

Readership

Format

Purpose


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Technical Literary

Literal/Direct/Denotative

Persona

Figurative/Indire

Impersonal/Simple

Serious/Unemotional

Objective/neutral

Light/Conv

Subjective/O

Language

Style

Tone

Content


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Basic Principles o

Technical Writin


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Technical writing is written for a

specific person or group of peopleor imaginary, and they are assume

be intelligent but uninformed.

Technical writing is written for apurpose. (conciseness and coheren


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Technical writing uses simple,concrete, andfamiliarlanguage.

Technical writing should always the three parts: introduction, contand conclusion.

Technical writing must bepresenand attractive.


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Qualities of A

Good Report


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Available on the date that it is d

(punctuality)Creates a good impression if it is

picked up and read through

Has the important preliminariesidentify the report and disclose i

purpose and scope


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Has a body that provides the

necessary information and that

written clearly without jargon orpadding

Has a summary or conclusions th

reveal the results obtained

Reads coherently and cumulativ

from beginning to end


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Is so designed that it can be read

understood selectively: for insta

by some users, only the abstractother users, only the introductio

conclusions and by still other use

the entire reportAnswers readers questions as th

questions arise in their minds


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Has a rational and readily discer

plan which is revealed in the tab

contents and a series of headingthroughout the report

Conveys an overall impression o

authority, thoroughness, soundand honest work

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Tech Write Intro