4. Definitions
• “writing that aims to get work done, to change people
by changing the way they do things.” (Riordan)
• taking complex information and making it clear for a
lay audience
• “the exchange of information that helps people
interact with technology, advance workplace
goals, and solve complex problems” (Gurak & Lannon)
5. Types of Technical Communication
• annual reports • instructions
• quick guides • descriptions
• scholarly articles • letters
• software guides • memos
• training materials • procedures
• promotional • social media content
materials • presentations
• technical reports • podcasts
• proposals • videos
• newsletters
• manuals
• user guides
7. Two Types of Individuals
• technical communication professionals
• other professionals who write as part of their job
8. Differences between Academic
& Technical Writing
Academic Writing Technical Writing
Audience Singular - Teacher Varied & Changing
Purpose Earn a Grade/Display Complete a Task
Knowledge
Knowledge Base Audience Has More Writer Has More
Page Design Limited Infinite Variety
9. Major Traits of Technical Writing
• is audience centered
• enhances relationships
• enables readers to act
• occurs within a community
• is interactive
• is appropriate
• is responsible
• is designed
• has definite purposes
10. Three Primary Purposes of
Technical Communication
• to inform
• to persuade
• to instruct
12. References
Gurak, Laura and John Lannon. Strategies for Technical Communication in
the Workplace. Boston: Longman, 2010.
Riordan, Daniel. Technical Report Writing Today.
Notas del editor
Press F5 or enter presentation mode to view the poll\r\nIn an emergency during your presentation, if the poll isn't showing, navigate to this link in your web browser:\r\nhttp://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/LTQ3NjAxNTI4MgText me your answer, and we should start to see what you think technical writing is.If you like, you can use this slide as a template for your own voting slides. You might use a slide like this if you feel your audience would benefit from the picture showing a text message on a phone.
Now let’s take a look at some Hollywood versions of what happens when technical communication goes awry.