Technical writing can be challenging, especially when it comes to figuring out how to write about technical equipment, gadgets or concepts. That's because how you approach it depends a great deal on who you're writing for. Read on to discover four key groups of potential readers and how to adjust your writing to reach them more effectively.
The most common target audiences for technical writing are the following four: Lay persons, executives, experts, and technicians. Each of these groups has different needs that must be taken into consideration. So be sure to find out who your target audience will be before you even start writing.
Lay persons
The term "lay persons" simply includes anyone who is not an expert in the specific subject matter you're writing about. Sometimes the term is more narrowly defined as someone who has little or no technical background.
Most user manuals are written with lay persons in mind. They need to be written in a way that they do not presuppose knowledge that the average non-technical person simply won't have.
The key to explaining new concepts is to start where your audience is and then work up from there. If you leave out steps, you may quickly leave them behind. So a straight-forward step-by-step approach is usually best.
Executives
Executives may or may not have a great deal of expertise in your particular technical subject matter, but you still need to explain to them clearly and efficiently what it is they need to know.
Unlike lay persons, they probably won't have to actually use the information to operate equipment or gadgets or to perform certain tasks. Instead, they will have to make decisions based on your information.
Among the things they might want to know is what its marketing ramifications are, or how it might be used in their company, along with cost factors and alternatives. Make sure you know what they want to know and keep that in mind when you write your technical report.
Experts
Experts presumably have a solid background in your subject area, so you can skip the elementary information and can go straight to the more sophisticated and new parts of the information you need to communicate. They're also familiar with jargon, and so in this type of technical writing, jargon can be used relatively freely because it creates a short-cut to effective communication.
Technicians
Technicians are usually comfortable with jargon as well, at least to varying degrees. Unlike experts, though, they will need the how-to information since they are in charge of implementing things.
What about theory? That may not be their main concern. However, they will generally appreciate some information on theory and how it fits in with other applications.
Senin, 25 September 2017
Minggu, 03 September 2017
Technical Writing - Finding Freelance Opportunities For Technical Writers
Sitting at home without any work can really be monotonous at times, especially when you have enormous technical writing opportunities available on internet. There are many types of writing jobs available online, and depending on your field of interest or expertise, you are really spoilt for choice.
Freelance writing work can be exceptionally stimulating and rewarding. A technical writer that is recognized for his or her applied knowledge can easily earn up to $5000 per month on a part-time basis. This amount can become even more if the writer opts to go full-time.
But not everyone has all the freelance technical writing skills which are required to deliver consistent high quality work all the time. As a minimum requirement, three or more of the attributes as mentioned below, are essential:
* Technical computer skills and expert use of word processing packages
* Knowledge about writing work including style and grammar
* Time management skills and the ability to concentrate
* Mastery in proof reading, editing and recognizing minor flaws
* Knowledge about useful day-to-day products and their markets.
In order to tart grabbing technical writing opportunities, you must take a careful look at yourself and establish whether the above mentioned qualities and attributes are residing in you. If some of them are lacking, it indicates a short-coming in your skills set, and you need to polish up in that particular direction, by attending a skills enhancement course.
You must not be reluctant in communicating with people online to get work. As a freelancer it will be beneficial for you to have a portfolio to present when seeking writing opportunities. There are many industries from where you can start your freelance technical writing career. These include;
* Daily transportation services
* Online Manufacturing markets
* Technical world of computers
* Telecommunications
* Various fields of engineering
* Construction industry
* Science and technology
* Governmental and related fields
To develop your freelance writing career you can very well select one of the above industries to make a quick start. For newbie's in the technical writing field there a various available options. If you are a newcomer, then you can start by posting your portfolio on blogs and freelance writing websites. Well-known, authentic websites offering technical writing opportunities to aspiring writers includes Bright Hub and Wise Geek. It is also possible to gain experience by writing for online forums, and thus build up your reputation.
Freelance writing work can be exceptionally stimulating and rewarding. A technical writer that is recognized for his or her applied knowledge can easily earn up to $5000 per month on a part-time basis. This amount can become even more if the writer opts to go full-time.
But not everyone has all the freelance technical writing skills which are required to deliver consistent high quality work all the time. As a minimum requirement, three or more of the attributes as mentioned below, are essential:
* Technical computer skills and expert use of word processing packages
* Knowledge about writing work including style and grammar
* Time management skills and the ability to concentrate
* Mastery in proof reading, editing and recognizing minor flaws
* Knowledge about useful day-to-day products and their markets.
In order to tart grabbing technical writing opportunities, you must take a careful look at yourself and establish whether the above mentioned qualities and attributes are residing in you. If some of them are lacking, it indicates a short-coming in your skills set, and you need to polish up in that particular direction, by attending a skills enhancement course.
You must not be reluctant in communicating with people online to get work. As a freelancer it will be beneficial for you to have a portfolio to present when seeking writing opportunities. There are many industries from where you can start your freelance technical writing career. These include;
* Daily transportation services
* Online Manufacturing markets
* Technical world of computers
* Telecommunications
* Various fields of engineering
* Construction industry
* Science and technology
* Governmental and related fields
To develop your freelance writing career you can very well select one of the above industries to make a quick start. For newbie's in the technical writing field there a various available options. If you are a newcomer, then you can start by posting your portfolio on blogs and freelance writing websites. Well-known, authentic websites offering technical writing opportunities to aspiring writers includes Bright Hub and Wise Geek. It is also possible to gain experience by writing for online forums, and thus build up your reputation.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)