Newbies, in the writing field, think that technical writing is something that needs technical background or knowledge to write on a specific topic. But the fact is that anyone can write something on a technical topic and there is no need to have specific knowledge for that. All you have to do is to follow the criteria to write on such topics. There are some dos and don'ts for technical writing that make it easy for them to write.
But before moving ahead with do's and don'ts, you must know about technical writing in detail.
What does Technical Writing mean?
According to the Technical Communication Society, Technical writing refers to "any form of communication which elaborates any of the below-mentioned qualities:
- Communicating with the help of technology like help files, web pages, or any social media sites.
- Communicating about any specific technical topics like any medical procedures, computer applications, or environmental rules regulations.
- Giving information about something, regardless of technical task method or even the usage of technology for creating that communication.
By keeping such qualities in mind, let's move ahead with do's and don'ts one by one for better clarity.
Do's and don'ts of Technical Writing.
Do's
- Know your Audience
Writing for beginners in a field is different from the people with intermediate levels in terms of definition. So you should keep your targeted audience in mind while writing to reach the people whom you're writing for. Focus on the following questions before writing a piece:
- Targeted audience: For whom you're writing
- Newbies or intermediates
- Skillset your audience possess
- Targeted write-up level
- The problem you intend to resolve with your write-up.
- Choose a Pattern
This is a common mistake that every writer makes in copying the same pattern from where they have gathered the info of the write-up. Don't lose your voice to someone else. Be unique with your pattern and write the way you like it.
- Clear and Concise Writing
Write straight to the point- don’t use unnecessary or confusing words. If something can be cleared in 10 words then, don’t mess it up by writing a paragraph. Just keep it short and simple so that one can easily understand.
Proper Formatting- use heading tags, lists, bold, and italics (if needed) to explain the topic better, for readability’s sake, and keep your reader interested by writing it in a unique and clear pattern.
Write in Sequence- When writing about a process, never mess up the steps. Write them sequence-wise and don’t confuse the readers.
Include Image- images are most crucial as they say a lot about the topic. When you see any manual instructions for the appliance, you will see that every step is attached with an image. It helps the reader to clarify things if they don't understand the steps. The purpose of the picture is to reinforce the concept of the step so don’t forget it.
Don’ts
- Plagiarize
It is legally and morally wrong to plagiarize. Actually, it is unethical, distasteful, and unprofessional to steal someone’s writing pattern or ideas and post them as yours. You can use the plagiarism checker tool.
- Put Pressure on Yourself
Writing is something that should be done with a clear and creative mind. If you start comparing yourself and your writing to others then, it will become tough for you to write with creativity. As long as you put in sensible efforts to get better, you will. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
- Be in Haste
It is not a smart choice at all to be in haste. If you are writing something then, you have to take out some time to research everything like the latest information on that topic, writing pattern, steps, and most important language. As we have discussed earlier, it is important to understand the targeted audience. So, think about them and gather information on the basis of that and after that, write as per the topic’s demand.
- Provide Your Opinion
Never give your opinions while writing technical content. Don’t address the reader directly unless they have come up with the user manual. It is not wise to repeat an obvious conclusion all the time.
- Assume
The don’ts of Technical writing are to avoid assumptions. Don’t assume anything which is related to the process and product in growth. Don’t even infuse humor in your content. If you do so, then your write-up may get offensive to some of your readers.
Conclusion-
Fortunately, technical writing isn’t a big deal, it is not rocket science. It is all about writing something with your common sense. And one most important thing for Do’s and Don’ts of Technical writing or anything else is Proofreading. Always proofread after you wrap up your write-up. There are some minor mistakes like a typo, grammar, or spelling errors that can be addressed only after proofreading. So, read it once when you are done with your write-up to make it ready to post.
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