Introduction to Technical Writing Course

In this course, you will learn the fundamental skills required be a successful technical writer. We’ll discuss the various types of technical documentation and how to create them by developing clear, concise content.

This two-day course includes exercises, handouts, and hands-on labs to provide you with hands-on experience in subject matter expert interviews, audience analysis, documentation processes, document review cycles, and editing. Contact us to learn more about on-site training and custom training solutions.

Day 1 Course Outline

Technical Writing Fundamentals (Part 1)

  • The Business Case for Technical Writing
  • Characteristics of Technical Writing Skills
  • Applications of Technical Writing
  • Examples of Technical Writing
  • Audience Analysis
  • Targeting Reader Needs

Technical Writing Fundamentals (Part 2)

  • Parts of Speech
  • Active vs. Passive Voice
  • Simple vs. Complex Language
  • Present vs. Past vs. Future Tense
  • Formal vs. Informal Style
  • Using Clear, Concise Language
  • Addressing Common Errors in Technical Writing
  • Summary: Tips to Help You Write More Clearly
  • Ethical Principles for Technical Communicators

Day 2 Course Outline

Technical Writing Strategies

  • The Technical Writing Process
  • Describing the Document’s Purpose—The Technical Brief
  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) Interviewing Techniques

Technical Writing Tasks

  • Explaining a Process
  • Communicating Visually
  • Using Effective Formats
  • Writing a Table of Contents
  • Writing an Index
  • Writing a Summary
  • Writing a Glossary
  • Creating Manuals & Documentation
  • Editing Your Own Documentation
  • Proofreader’s Checklist