To tell you the truth, I didn’t really know what to
expect in a technical writing course. But as the class went along, I learned
about all the different considerations one should take when writing a technical
document, such as who the target audience is and how to make an argument
convincing. We also learned how to research more efficiently, by practicing
looking for information on online databases, as well correct citations for
information given and for reference. Aside
from the main purpose of the course, there were many “mini lessons” that are to
be taken from it. For example, in one of the classes we learned about how to
make our email more professional. While I’ve rarely used abbreviations in my
email, there were still some aspects that I did not consider, such as the use
of a signature and that emails should be formatted like a letter, beginning
with dear such and such, and ending with regards/sincerely/etc.…
Now of course, technical writing isn’t all about writing
better email, but how to write more professionally in the real world. I believe
I did grow as a writer in this course, as I had hands on practice with
technical documents, during which I used a different tone of voice than what I’m
used to in traditional English essays. Based on previous comments by the
professor, there also appeared to some sort of flow to the way things were
being said in the technical documents. Now while I haven’t nailed down the art
of technical writing completely, this exposure should serve me well as I continue
along. Perhaps the next time I am asked to write a memo or any other sort of
technical document I will look back at this course and revisit all the considerations
taken into writing a technical document.
These blog assignments have also helped me develop
technical writing skills. One of the great things about them was that we were
given a recommended maximum word count. Though I sometimes was unable to stay
within the word count (in fact it’s 342 at this point!), it did get me to think
how I could display the requested information in as little words as possible,
while also sounding professionally.
