Technical Writing Essentials

This Course is approved by HRCI and SHRM Recertification Provider.

 

Overview:
Technical disciplines require extensive writing to a broad range of audiences, from fellow subject-matter experts concerned with methodology and processes to non-expert decision makers who are interested in cost-benefit analyses and organizational impact. The science-intensive focus of technical disciplines leaves little time for this key segment of the business population to focus on quality writing. But this fact does not change the hard reality that technical communicators spend much of their time drafting and presenting analyses, findings, and recommendations. It is a myth that they don't need to write well, as effective writing will directly affect their influence within the company.

Defining technical writing is a tricky proposition, depending on who is doing the asking. For sure, it is the documenting of technical briefings, descriptions, proposals, and reports; however, the level of content and formality of style will vary greatly based on the audience and business needs. Technical writers must strike a balance between writing to subject-matter experts such as teammates and staff in cross-disciplines, and to less technical executives, internal or external clients, vendors, and regulators. Determining the content and style for diverse audiences can be the greatest challenge that technical writers face. And bad writing is just too costly. Nearly a third of all workplace writing is to clarify or to seek clarification of previously written content.

This webinar addresses the daunting task of conveying complex technical data clearly, concisely, and purposefully to technical and non-expert audiences alike. Examples from diverse technical fields make the webinar highly relevant. The program builds a learning foundation by identifying the qualities of effective writing and the roadblocks to achieving them. Then it shifts to principles and examples of two major styles of technical writing: formal, impersonal and informal, personal. This segment offers insights into adapting a technical style to the reader's needs. The next part of the webinar provides memorable tips for writing with clarity, conciseness, and power. Through a display of sentences and paragraphs before and after editing, the rewriting process of technical writing becomes evident. The program concludes with vital pointers on writing summaries, a must skill for technical writers.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Defining the qualities of effective technical writing
• Employing diverse styles for audiences with specific needs
• Achieving clarity and conciseness in documentation
• Editing for power while maintaining objectivity
• Using checklists to control the content of descriptive, analytical, or persuasive messages
• Summarizing complex, detailed reports and proposals for decision makers
• Collecting technical writing resources for further reference

Training Objectives:

• Distinguish between formal and informal technical writing styles as the situation dictates
• Jumpstart the writing process with a structured system
• Create usable checklists to standardize documentation tasks
• Summarize effectively for technical and executive audiences

Who Will Benefit: This webinar will provide valuable assistance to junior or senior technical communicators in the following disciplines:

• Biotechnology
• Drug Administration
• Environmental Compliance
• Regulatory Affairs
• Risk Management
• Safety and Quality

 

Instructor:

Philip Vassallo, Ed.D. has developed, delivered, and supervised communication training programs for a wide range of managerial, administrative, and technical professionals in corporate, government, and academic environments. He has also taught writing and presentation skills on the graduate and undergraduate university levels, most recently for the Beijing International MBA program at Peking University. He has served as an essay and speech evaluator for the Educational Testing Service on standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination, College Level Examination Placement, Graduate Management Admissions Test, and the Test of Spoken English. He also has provided writing coaching and assessment services for numerous corporate employees. Dr. Vassallo is the author of the books How to Write Fast Under Pressure, on writing efficiently; The Art of On-the-Job Writing, on work-related writing; The Art of E-Mail Writing, on business email;