You need to have technical skills sooner or later, whether you like it or not. You will be tasked to write aricles, reports, case studies, business communications, and so much more.
Do you feel that you don’t have what it takes to be a technical writer?
Worry no more. Even if you think you don’t have that writer in you, you will have that skill. We’ve got some easy steps for you. Just follow them and you’ll soon be happy to learn you’re writing like a pro!
Forget about writer’s block.
You may find yourself staring blankly at your computer screen and you may think that you’re suffering from a writer’s block. Don’t get stressed! Forget about writer’s block because you can overcome it. Aside from listening to say, classical music, and from exercising, you can focus on your writing by closing all social media applications. Focus and do the following:
Create a “bucket list” of what you’re going to write.
List down the ideas you have about your topic. Just keep on writing them down. Before you know it, you’ve written a lot of verbs, nouns and adjectives on your paper, tablet, laptop, ipad or desktop. Before you know it, you’ve written a lot of your thoughts and that’s a nice way to start.
Draw a mind map.
From your bucket list, you will be able to draw a mind map, starting from your main idea or major topic. You may use a certain shape to represent your main topic then use arrows to represent your sub-topics.
Enjoy mind mapping. Use different colors and release your creativity! By doing it, you won’t just have fun creating a mind map, but you will also realize that by visualizing your thoughts through it, you can write easier and faster!
Draft your outline.
From your beautiful mind map, you can make your outline a lot better. The map will serve as your guide because all your ideas are already there. You just have to create your sentences and paragraphs based on it.
Use active voice.
The active voice of the verb will bring more impact on your writing. It will create an impression of eagerness and liveliness. So use it more often than passive voice.
Control the length of your sentences.
It’s better to stick to 15 to 25 words per sentence. Sentences longer than that will be harder to read. Also, short and simple sentences will keep your readers interested on your article.
Check your grammar.
All types of written documents should be reviewed many times. This will ensure perfection of your writing since you will be able to check your grammar and typographical errors.
Googling about new grammar rules will also help you write up-to-date articles. This will help you avoid colloquial writing or obsolete expressions.
Review your ethos, sophos and logos.
You write to convince your audience or readers about your subject matter. And to achieve that convincing power, you must learn to imitate that great philosopher Aristotle. His mode of persuasion includes ethos, sophos and logos.
As you write, remind your self about ethos. Why are you writing your subject matter in the first place? You must convince your reader about its significance.
Then as you continue to write, your pathos will explain further the reasons behind your writing a particular topic. This is where you elaborate the purpose of your writing.
Lastly, your logos will be your concluding reasons for your writing. Use all the information and data you need to convince your reader that you’re right to write your topic.
Revise.
Review your writing if you still have time, then revise or edit to improve it. You may also seek the help of good friend-writers who may give you suggestions and recommendations. Revise and revise until you’re satisfied with what you’ve written.
Avoid using highfalutin words.
Technical writing must be precise. You don’t have to exaggerate what you’ve written. What’s important is all the information and facts needed are all there. You just have to write clearly and consistently.
Conform with technical writing format guidelines.
To obtain effective technical skills, you must conform with technical writing guidelines, depending on your superior or teacher what format he or she will instruct you to follow.
APA style is the most popular format that will be very useful and helpful to you on your technical writing. You may search online about APA basic writing, referencing, citation, bibliography, and so much more. It’s pretty easy to find. Just google it.
Believe in yourself.
Enjoy your journey to creating technical writing. Be willing to learn and be courageous to face your fear of writing. You will be able to produce effective documents and other types of technical writing. Just keep on believing in yourself. You can write!
