Technical writing defined: Kinsey Knight and Bobby Cole

Technical writing is used for the purpose of conveying specific information to a targeted audience. It is necessary that technical writing be clear and concise, presenting the most accurate information possible in a manner that is easily accessible to a variety of readers. Technical communicators work in specialized areas with a variety of purposes for their writing. Effective technical writers know their intended audience and write in a manner that is appropriate for the specific readers. The content that a technical writer uses must be written in a language that the audience can understand as well as in an appealing format that draws a reader’s attention. It is not only the written word that is used to inform readers, but many times charts, graphs, pictures, and other tools are used to create an easily accessible approach to a specific topic. The process of effective technical writing includes researching and filtering data in order to find the necessary information for the topic. Often times technical writers work closely with engineers, medical researchers, or other professionals in order to be able to accurately convey the information they are writing on. Technical writing can be in the form of resumes, memos, letters, and manuals; all of which are formatted in a manner suitable for the writer’s audience and purpose.