Scientific and Technical Writing Program

Nano Science & Technology Consortium

http//www.nstc.in

Introduction to   Technical Writing 

Technical Writing Defined A specialized, structured form of

writing that presents technical information to readers in such a way that it :

is adapted to their needs and understanding level

helps to perform a specific task or solve a specific problem

Characteristics

Clear and concise – easily understandable Specific Audience - targeted to particular

readers Specific Purpose- written for a specific

purpose Accurate – is factual Correct – follows grammatical and technical

conventions Comprehensive – contains all necessary info. Usable – includes Table of Content,

headings, subheadings, indexes

  Cost to the Company Costs time and money Does not produce revenue Poorly written or inaccurate

documentation: Contributes to customer frustration

with the product and the company thus is a cost

Projects a negative image of the company and product

Why Technical Writing? In professional job, 20-40% of your time

will be writing Career advancement Expanding knowledge Improving communication skills Every job profile requires versatility

Technical Writing Activities

In-House Activities Letters, memos, e-mail:

To ask or answer queries, to set meeting agendas

Reports Project, progress, trip, incident, feasibility etc.

Technical Writing Activities

In-House Activities (contd.) Proposals

To manager or another department to highlight problems, suggest solutions and recommended action.

Technical Writing Activities

Out-of-House Activities Letters of inquiry, sales, etc. Request for Quotation (RFQ)

preparation A standard business process with a purpose to invite suppliers to bid on specific products or services

Reports to Clients Publication Articles

Reference Gerson, S. J. & Gerson, S. M. (2006).

Technical writing: Process and product. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Contact Information

Program CoordinatorScientific and Technical WritingNano Science and Technology ConsortiumC-56 A/28, Sector-62, Noida, U.P -201301Mob. No. 09958161117E-mail : tech.writing@nstc.in Website : http://www.nstc.inHelpline No. 0120-4330376 , 09818206463