Writing is an art. It requires rational thinking, analytical approach, logical flow of ideas, conciseness and preciseness of information, completeness of information, methodical and lucid presentation of arguments, etc. However, the approach may vary depending on the type of writing and the perspective of the writer.
Writing can be broadly classified into two categories: creative writing and non-creative (technical) writing. Creative writing aims at revealing facts, meditates on abstract thoughts, involves imagination, feelings, etc. On the other hand, non-creative or technical writing deals with information sharing, widens the knowledge base, educates the audience on proven facts, etc.
The purpose of a written piece of information is to convey the message to its audience such that most of it is understood and grasped. However, a writer sometimes comes across a complex situation where the probability of deviation from the facts increases to a large extent or where the information cannot be expressed in concise manner and thus forces the writer to infuse more words into the write-up, inviting the chances of ambiguity.
Here we will confine ourselves to non-creative (technical) writing. Following are some of the points that an aspiring technical writer must keep in mind:
Read Before You Write
Reading habit generally makes you aware of the presentation of idea and widens your perspective. It helps you increase your vocabulary, determine the most probable questions that may crop up in the readers’ mind as well as the answers of those questions, equips you with all necessary tools required for writing.
Audience Level
Keep the target readers in mind while writing else it will turn out to be irrelevant and will not meet the objective.
Clarity of Thought
A writer must be clear about the facts he is writing on. Presenting facts properly with correct usage of words, grammatical accuracy of content, and accuracy of information is indispensable part of writing. Do not deviate from the main objective as it may mislead the reader.
Completeness of Information
Incomplete information is never conclusive and therefore would beat the purpose of writing. In technical writing, information must be given pedagogically.
Relevancy of Information
The facts described to support the topic or idea must be relevant.
Flow of Information
The flow of information must be seamless. Starting from the introduction to the supporting fact through the conclusive part, the description of idea or concept must flow smoothly. The terms that are not in vogue, slangs, cliché and jargons should be avoided.
Preciseness of Information
This is one of the most sought-after criteria in technical writing. The facts/information provided must be correct and should not lead to ambiguity or falsity.
Avoid Overwriting
Avoid usage of unnecessary words and phrases in your writing. Over-usage of words to explain the facts distracts a reader from the main point of discussion. It thus hampers the process of insemination of information from writer to reader.
Structure and Design
Once you have made all the groundwork, it’s time to finally prepare the draft, decide the proper structure and layout, and make it ready for the readers. Properly structured content easily receives attention of the readers and helps them retain maximum of the idea for longer time.
Writing can be broadly classified into two categories: creative writing and non-creative (technical) writing. Creative writing aims at revealing facts, meditates on abstract thoughts, involves imagination, feelings, etc. On the other hand, non-creative or technical writing deals with information sharing, widens the knowledge base, educates the audience on proven facts, etc.
The purpose of a written piece of information is to convey the message to its audience such that most of it is understood and grasped. However, a writer sometimes comes across a complex situation where the probability of deviation from the facts increases to a large extent or where the information cannot be expressed in concise manner and thus forces the writer to infuse more words into the write-up, inviting the chances of ambiguity.
Here we will confine ourselves to non-creative (technical) writing. Following are some of the points that an aspiring technical writer must keep in mind:
Read Before You Write
Reading habit generally makes you aware of the presentation of idea and widens your perspective. It helps you increase your vocabulary, determine the most probable questions that may crop up in the readers’ mind as well as the answers of those questions, equips you with all necessary tools required for writing.
Audience Level
Keep the target readers in mind while writing else it will turn out to be irrelevant and will not meet the objective.
Clarity of Thought
A writer must be clear about the facts he is writing on. Presenting facts properly with correct usage of words, grammatical accuracy of content, and accuracy of information is indispensable part of writing. Do not deviate from the main objective as it may mislead the reader.
Completeness of Information
Incomplete information is never conclusive and therefore would beat the purpose of writing. In technical writing, information must be given pedagogically.
Relevancy of Information
The facts described to support the topic or idea must be relevant.
Flow of Information
The flow of information must be seamless. Starting from the introduction to the supporting fact through the conclusive part, the description of idea or concept must flow smoothly. The terms that are not in vogue, slangs, cliché and jargons should be avoided.
Preciseness of Information
This is one of the most sought-after criteria in technical writing. The facts/information provided must be correct and should not lead to ambiguity or falsity.
Avoid Overwriting
Avoid usage of unnecessary words and phrases in your writing. Over-usage of words to explain the facts distracts a reader from the main point of discussion. It thus hampers the process of insemination of information from writer to reader.
Structure and Design
Once you have made all the groundwork, it’s time to finally prepare the draft, decide the proper structure and layout, and make it ready for the readers. Properly structured content easily receives attention of the readers and helps them retain maximum of the idea for longer time.
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