Skills needed for technical writing

To be a successful technical writer, there is a core set of skills that you will want to master. Here are some of the most common skills needed to be successful:

a) Research: Research is one of the first steps in technical writing. After you have an assignment, you will be responsible for collecting the data (numerical and non-numerical) and turning it into valuable information.

Research can come from a variety of places including:

• On-Site Data
• Online and Intranet Publications
• Interviews
• Libraries and Research Databases

b) Audience perception: The technical information you research and gather has to be shaped for reader interest, understanding, and perception.

Technical writers often have to communicate highly technical information to a non-technical audience. Therefore, an early step in the most effective technical writing process is analyzing your audience carefully so you can match information to their needs.

c) Communication skills: Communication skills are imperative to be a successful technical writer. You will likely be working with multiple teams and individuals from differing roles.

Your ability to listen, record, and communicate will be crucial.

d) Technical skills: It is imperative that you understand the technical nature of the content you are writing about. It is difficult to clearly convey a concept that you have not mastered. Technical writing is slightly easier if you come from the technical side and are learning to write. It is sometimes more difficult if your background is in writing and you are trying to learn the technical content.

e) Writing: Excellent writing skills ensure your documents are easy to read and are free of errors. Writing encompasses many of the other skills on this list. It is important that you have the correct tone, style, and format for your document.

f) Document design: It is important that the graphics aid the reader in comprehending the information. Graphs, tables, and charts are commonplace in technical reports.

You will also need to be proficient in formatting documents. The formatting should be professional and aid the reader in navigating the document. Headings should be easy to skim, and the content should be organized logically.

A poorly designed document will make it more difficult for the reader to understand the content. Document design is a key aspect of technical writing.

g) Fluency with digital tools: Technical writers are expected to be able to create graphics and annotate images and screen captures and extract data from Excel and convey that data in charts and tables.

h) User research and testing: Testing is necessary to ensure your document functions as intended.

After the writer has completed a draft of the document, they may give it to a test group to read. They can then observe the end users following the instructions in real-time.