Technical Writing Tutorial

Mastering Technical Writing Source: The Shackouls Technical Communication Program, Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi State University Overview Technical writing is an art that must be mastered by all engineers if they are to be successful in communicating their ideas, concepts, and designs. As engineering students enter industry or graduate-level education, they must be prepared with effective professional communication skills if they are to be successful. This tutorial provides some basics about technical writing. TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview 1 Why Engineers Need to Communicate Well 2 Technical Writing Is About Managing Complexity 3 Precepts to Follow When Writing Technical Pieces 4 Understanding and Responding to Reader Requirements 5 Twelve Basic Guidelines for Technical Writing 6 Evaluation to Determine If a Piece Is Well Done 1. Why Engineers Need to Communicate Well Working engineers have to communicate professionally in several ways. They must prepare on-the-job written work, both formal and informal. They are faced with the need to develop, prepare, and conduct presentations (sometimes impromptu) for supervisors, colleagues, customers, and others. Occasionally they must interact with the media. Further, they are frequently required to collaborate as subject-matter experts (SMEs) with professional technical writers. It is also true that accomplished writers and speakers make better job candidates. There is an ...