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
