2
Most read
6
Most read
15
Most read
Technical Style
Definition, Types and Methods
Dr. Debaleena Dutta
PSIT Kanpur
Definition of Technical Style
• The manner of writing a technical document
is called Technical Style.
It is always formal in tone.
 It presents clear-cut facts.
 It avoids emotional language.
It is free of errors [grammar, spelling,
punctuation]
Types of Technical Writing Styles
For teaching
Purposes
For Research
purposes
For Office
Purposes
Research
papers; Thesis
1. Technical
books for
students.
2. User
manuals
1. Reports
2. Proposals
3. Resume &
Cover
letter
Informative Style;
Persuasive style
Informative Style
Informative style;
Instructional style
3 types of Technical Style
1. Informational Style
2. Persuasive style
3. Instruction-based style
Informational Style
• Used in Reports; Thesis; Research Papers.
Also used in textbooks for students.
• Target: to pass on information.
Persuasive style
• Used in Resume; Cover letter; Proposals;
Sales letters.
• Target: to convince the reader about an idea.
Instruction-based style
• Used in user manuals.
• Target: to explain in easy language some
technical steps to a non-technical audience.
Methods of using Technical Style
Methods:
How to use the Correct Style
Understanding the
Audience
Understanding the
Goal
Following the 7 C’s of technical
Writing
Understanding Audience
• In case of research writing, the audience is
mostly technical, and knows core concepts.
• In case of user manuals, text-books,
the audience is mostly non-expert.
• In case of reports and proposals,
the audience may be expert, but of other field.
Understanding Audience
• Depending upon the type of audience, we
adjust the level of difficulty.
• This includes changes in the no. of technical
terms, pictures & examples.
Goal = Junction point of all 3 styles
GOAL
Persuade
Goal of Technical Writing
Technical Documents try either to instruct, inform
or persuade.
Eg.
• A resume will persuade an HR to hire you.
• A report will inform the audience of facts about
an issue after investigation.
• A manual will instruct people to handle a
machine or software.
Goal/Purpose
But a good technical document contains all the
three purposes—one main, and the other two
in trace amount.
Eg. A user manual
instructs the user how to use a device.
informs the user of warranty, warnings, etc.
persuades the reader to follow the safety
warnings by using pictures.
Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing
1. Concise writing—Short sentences. Short paragraphs
of 80-100 words. Avoid cliches and redundancies.
2. Clarity in facts —Use examples; Pictures; glossary for
technical terms. Use active voice. Use discourse
markers. Avoid negative words.
3. Concreteness —use numerical data in place of vague
adjectives. Use evidence to support your claims.
4. Completeness —give all information about the
product. Warnings, expiry date, limitations of
research, etc.
Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing
5. Correctness: Check for
errors in spelling
grammar
punctuation.
choice of words. Formal documents a free of
slangs and emotional outbursts.
Eg. for choice of words:
The van cut the signal and rammed my car at the
back. The idiot was drunk!
Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing
5. Correctness: Check for errors in spelling,
grammar and punctuation.
Correctness also includes choice of words.
Formal documents a free of slangs and
emotional outbursts.
The van cut the signal and rammed my car at
the back. The idiot was drunk !
violated Collided with
under alcohol -
influence .driver
After Removing slang words:
Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing
6. Courtesy: Use gender-neutral words; use
hedging words that avoid hurting the readers.
7. Consideration: Put yourself in audience’s
shoes and edit you document. This includes
using proper fonts, font sizing, spacing, usage of
good pictures, better quality paper and binding
material, etc.

More Related Content

PPTX
Algorithm and flowchart
PPSX
INTRODUCTION TO C PROGRAMMING
PPTX
multiprogramming in operating system.pptx
PPTX
Introduction to c programming
PPTX
Writing skills
PPT
Intro To Programming Concepts
PPTX
introduction to programming languages
PPT
Effective Writing Skills
Algorithm and flowchart
INTRODUCTION TO C PROGRAMMING
multiprogramming in operating system.pptx
Introduction to c programming
Writing skills
Intro To Programming Concepts
introduction to programming languages
Effective Writing Skills

What's hot (20)

PPTX
Data Communications and Computer Networks
PPSX
Programming languages
PPTX
GENERAL V/S TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
PPTX
Computer Software & its Types
PPTX
Programming languages
PPTX
technical Communication and report writing
PPTX
Rules for Variable Declaration
PPT
High level and Low level Language
PPTX
Assembly and Machine Code
PDF
Computer Programming
PPTX
Computer Programming
PDF
Difference between RAM and ROM
PPTX
Data types in C
PPTX
Types of Operating System
PPTX
File system vs DBMS
PPTX
Algorithms and Flowcharts
PPTX
Problem Solving and Programming
PDF
Lecture 01 introduction to compiler
PPTX
Conditional Statement in C Language
PPTX
Computer Networks and Its Types
Data Communications and Computer Networks
Programming languages
GENERAL V/S TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Computer Software & its Types
Programming languages
technical Communication and report writing
Rules for Variable Declaration
High level and Low level Language
Assembly and Machine Code
Computer Programming
Computer Programming
Difference between RAM and ROM
Data types in C
Types of Operating System
File system vs DBMS
Algorithms and Flowcharts
Problem Solving and Programming
Lecture 01 introduction to compiler
Conditional Statement in C Language
Computer Networks and Its Types
Ad

Similar to Technical style (20)

PPTX
Style in technical writting
PPTX
Technical writing.pptx for the basic computer knowledge
PPTX
design and algorithm analysis unit -3.pptx
PPTX
Principles of technical writing
PPTX
Creating technical document
PPTX
TechnicalWritingreportPresentation1.pptx
PPTX
The Introduction to Technical Writing.pptx
PPTX
Features of technical writing.pptx
PPTX
English 2 slides
PDF
Characteristics of technical_writing
PPTX
Technical writing
PPTX
Lec 2 (Types and Traits of Technical Writing).pptx
PPTX
Research
PDF
Technical Writing Module-I Complete Notes.pdf
PPT
Technical writing
PPTX
PPTX
LECTURE 1-INbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbTRODUCTION.pptx
PPT
Tech writdefgoalsprocess
PPT
460830482-202475823-Technical-Writing-Powerpoint-ppt.ppt
PPT
Technical writing lecture
Style in technical writting
Technical writing.pptx for the basic computer knowledge
design and algorithm analysis unit -3.pptx
Principles of technical writing
Creating technical document
TechnicalWritingreportPresentation1.pptx
The Introduction to Technical Writing.pptx
Features of technical writing.pptx
English 2 slides
Characteristics of technical_writing
Technical writing
Lec 2 (Types and Traits of Technical Writing).pptx
Research
Technical Writing Module-I Complete Notes.pdf
Technical writing
LECTURE 1-INbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbTRODUCTION.pptx
Tech writdefgoalsprocess
460830482-202475823-Technical-Writing-Powerpoint-ppt.ppt
Technical writing lecture
Ad

More from debaleena dutta (20)

PPTX
Thinking Skills: Meaning and Types: Critical and Creative.pptx
PPTX
Speech and Personality; Analysis of personality; Types of personality; Concep...
PPTX
Communication and Social Competence.pptx
PPTX
Elements of Speech Delivery: Passion, Poise and Illustration.pptx
PPTX
Values, belief, attitude and behavior
PDF
Communicative competence
PDF
Essay writing converted
PDF
Note taking
PDF
Common errors
PDF
Principles of legal drafting
PDF
Legal briefing and summarizing
PDF
Sentence transformation
PDF
Reported speech
PDF
Conditionals
PDF
Logical fallacies
PDF
Precis writing: A pictorial guide through multiple passages
PPTX
Language as a tool of comunication
PPTX
7 c's of business communication
PPTX
Subject verb agreement
PPTX
Paralanguage
Thinking Skills: Meaning and Types: Critical and Creative.pptx
Speech and Personality; Analysis of personality; Types of personality; Concep...
Communication and Social Competence.pptx
Elements of Speech Delivery: Passion, Poise and Illustration.pptx
Values, belief, attitude and behavior
Communicative competence
Essay writing converted
Note taking
Common errors
Principles of legal drafting
Legal briefing and summarizing
Sentence transformation
Reported speech
Conditionals
Logical fallacies
Precis writing: A pictorial guide through multiple passages
Language as a tool of comunication
7 c's of business communication
Subject verb agreement
Paralanguage

Recently uploaded (20)

PDF
GSA-Past-Papers-2010-2024-2.pdf CSS examination
PPTX
operating_systems_presentations_delhi_nc
PDF
Chevening Scholarship Application and Interview Preparation Guide
PDF
anganwadi services for the b.sc nursing and GNM
PPTX
MMW-CHAPTER-1-final.pptx major Elementary Education
PPTX
Theoretical for class.pptxgshdhddhdhdhgd
PDF
Kalaari-SaaS-Founder-Playbook-2024-Edition-.pdf
PDF
GIÁO ÁN TIẾNG ANH 7 GLOBAL SUCCESS (CẢ NĂM) THEO CÔNG VĂN 5512 (2 CỘT) NĂM HỌ...
PDF
Physical pharmaceutics two in b pharmacy
PDF
English 2nd semesteNotesh biology biopsy results from the other day and I jus...
DOCX
THEORY AND PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT SEMESTER MAY 2025.docx
PPTX
Unit1_Kumod_deeplearning.pptx DEEP LEARNING
PPTX
PAIN PATHWAY & MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC PAIN SPEAKER: Dr. Rajasekhar ...
DOCX
EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT ASSIGNMENT SEMESTER MAY 2025.docx
PDF
WHAT NURSES SAY_ COMMUNICATION BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMP.pdf
PPTX
Cite It Right: A Compact Illustration of APA 7th Edition.pptx
PDF
Health aspects of bilberry: A review on its general benefits
PPTX
Key-Features-of-the-SHS-Program-v4-Slides (3) PPT2.pptx
PPSX
namma_kalvi_12th_botany_chapter_9_ppt.ppsx
PDF
African Communication Research: A review
GSA-Past-Papers-2010-2024-2.pdf CSS examination
operating_systems_presentations_delhi_nc
Chevening Scholarship Application and Interview Preparation Guide
anganwadi services for the b.sc nursing and GNM
MMW-CHAPTER-1-final.pptx major Elementary Education
Theoretical for class.pptxgshdhddhdhdhgd
Kalaari-SaaS-Founder-Playbook-2024-Edition-.pdf
GIÁO ÁN TIẾNG ANH 7 GLOBAL SUCCESS (CẢ NĂM) THEO CÔNG VĂN 5512 (2 CỘT) NĂM HỌ...
Physical pharmaceutics two in b pharmacy
English 2nd semesteNotesh biology biopsy results from the other day and I jus...
THEORY AND PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT SEMESTER MAY 2025.docx
Unit1_Kumod_deeplearning.pptx DEEP LEARNING
PAIN PATHWAY & MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC PAIN SPEAKER: Dr. Rajasekhar ...
EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT ASSIGNMENT SEMESTER MAY 2025.docx
WHAT NURSES SAY_ COMMUNICATION BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMP.pdf
Cite It Right: A Compact Illustration of APA 7th Edition.pptx
Health aspects of bilberry: A review on its general benefits
Key-Features-of-the-SHS-Program-v4-Slides (3) PPT2.pptx
namma_kalvi_12th_botany_chapter_9_ppt.ppsx
African Communication Research: A review

Technical style

  • 1. Technical Style Definition, Types and Methods Dr. Debaleena Dutta PSIT Kanpur
  • 2. Definition of Technical Style • The manner of writing a technical document is called Technical Style. It is always formal in tone.  It presents clear-cut facts.  It avoids emotional language. It is free of errors [grammar, spelling, punctuation]
  • 3. Types of Technical Writing Styles For teaching Purposes For Research purposes For Office Purposes Research papers; Thesis 1. Technical books for students. 2. User manuals 1. Reports 2. Proposals 3. Resume & Cover letter Informative Style; Persuasive style Informative Style Informative style; Instructional style
  • 4. 3 types of Technical Style 1. Informational Style 2. Persuasive style 3. Instruction-based style
  • 5. Informational Style • Used in Reports; Thesis; Research Papers. Also used in textbooks for students. • Target: to pass on information.
  • 6. Persuasive style • Used in Resume; Cover letter; Proposals; Sales letters. • Target: to convince the reader about an idea.
  • 7. Instruction-based style • Used in user manuals. • Target: to explain in easy language some technical steps to a non-technical audience.
  • 8. Methods of using Technical Style
  • 9. Methods: How to use the Correct Style Understanding the Audience Understanding the Goal Following the 7 C’s of technical Writing
  • 10. Understanding Audience • In case of research writing, the audience is mostly technical, and knows core concepts. • In case of user manuals, text-books, the audience is mostly non-expert. • In case of reports and proposals, the audience may be expert, but of other field.
  • 11. Understanding Audience • Depending upon the type of audience, we adjust the level of difficulty. • This includes changes in the no. of technical terms, pictures & examples.
  • 12. Goal = Junction point of all 3 styles GOAL Persuade
  • 13. Goal of Technical Writing Technical Documents try either to instruct, inform or persuade. Eg. • A resume will persuade an HR to hire you. • A report will inform the audience of facts about an issue after investigation. • A manual will instruct people to handle a machine or software.
  • 14. Goal/Purpose But a good technical document contains all the three purposes—one main, and the other two in trace amount. Eg. A user manual instructs the user how to use a device. informs the user of warranty, warnings, etc. persuades the reader to follow the safety warnings by using pictures.
  • 15. Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing 1. Concise writing—Short sentences. Short paragraphs of 80-100 words. Avoid cliches and redundancies. 2. Clarity in facts —Use examples; Pictures; glossary for technical terms. Use active voice. Use discourse markers. Avoid negative words. 3. Concreteness —use numerical data in place of vague adjectives. Use evidence to support your claims. 4. Completeness —give all information about the product. Warnings, expiry date, limitations of research, etc.
  • 16. Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing 5. Correctness: Check for errors in spelling grammar punctuation. choice of words. Formal documents a free of slangs and emotional outbursts. Eg. for choice of words: The van cut the signal and rammed my car at the back. The idiot was drunk!
  • 17. Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing 5. Correctness: Check for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Correctness also includes choice of words. Formal documents a free of slangs and emotional outbursts. The van cut the signal and rammed my car at the back. The idiot was drunk ! violated Collided with under alcohol - influence .driver After Removing slang words:
  • 18. Following 7 C’s of Technical Writing 6. Courtesy: Use gender-neutral words; use hedging words that avoid hurting the readers. 7. Consideration: Put yourself in audience’s shoes and edit you document. This includes using proper fonts, font sizing, spacing, usage of good pictures, better quality paper and binding material, etc.