5 Common Technical Writing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Technical writing is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about running an organisation. But, technical writing is an indispensable skill to effectively communicate your message to employees, prospective clients and other interested parties.

 

From drafting proposals for open tenders NSW to writing employee handbooks, technical writing is crucial for successful business communications. If your proposals and business documents aren’t driving expected results, it’s possible that you’re making certain mistakes. Take a look at some common technical writing mistakes you should avoid.

 

Lack of Structure

An illogical or difficult-to-follow structure will impact the comprehensibility of your document. Before drafting the document, start by creating a well-planned outline. Refer to this outline throughout the writing process to avoid confusing the readers.

 

Using Too Much Jargon

Using too much jargon unnecessarily complicates documents. When writing any piece of content, you need to keep in mind the target audience. Use simple language that a diverse audience can easily understand and find useful.

 

Not Using Formatting Tools

There only so much scope for creativity when it comes to technical writing. But you can make even the most mundane content easy to read with the help of formatting tools. Use bullet points, proper margins, highlight and other formatting tools to create a visually appealing document.

 

Overlooking Grammatical Errors

While a technical document isn’t at par with a literary masterpiece, doesn’t mean all rules go out the window. Grammatical errors are still unacceptable. Proofread your document and use spell check to create a reliable document.

 

Forgetting Accessibility

Print is no longer the go-to media for various documents. From tenders to annual reports, more and more organisations are digitalising. As a technical writer, you also need to focus on creating a technical document that’s accessible on digital platforms.

 

Final Words

Technical writing is an underrated but important skill for every organisation to master. If you lack the skills or resources, it will best to get a professional technical writer on board.