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Glenn Weadock
Technical reports require attention to sentence, paragraph, and document structure. They also demand careful word choice, avoidance of ambiguity, proper treatment of jargon, and awareness of style issues. This course shows how to be a better writer.
Read more
Technical reports require attention to sentence, paragraph, and document structure. They also demand careful word choice, avoidance of ambiguity, proper treatment of jargon, and awareness of style issues. This course shows how to be a better writer.
Read more
Technical reports require attention to sentence, paragraph, and document structure. They also demand careful word choice, avoidance of ambiguity, proper treatment of jargon, and awareness of style issues. This course shows how to be a better writer.
Technical professionals must occasionally write technical reports. Although there is no one right method for doing so, certain techniques and methods usually improve the results. In this course, Writing Better Technical Reports, you'll be encapsulated with a wide-ranging discussion of structure and style into successfully writing technical reports. First, you'll learn many of the more common writing mistakes and discover techniques for avoiding them. Next, you'll delve into a reader-oriented approach that will improve your reports' reception and effectiveness. Matters of sentence, paragraph, and document structure receive consideration here, along with tone, ambiguity, and technical jargon. Additionally, you'll explore tips specific for electronic document formats. Finally, you'll cover techniques for joining paragraphs using transitions, facilitating navigation within the report, avoiding confusing or opaque references, and exorcising bad habits, such as redundant, superfluous, and imprecise verbiage. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid understanding of how to efficiently make your technical reports leaner and more readable.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/29lyge/writing
What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview
Know Your Audience
Choose Your Words
Build a Good Sentence
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview
Know Your Audience
Choose Your Words
Build a Good Sentence
Read more
Build a Good Paragraph
Build a Good Document
Use Style to Your Advantage
Avoid Ambiguity
Manage Jargon
Special Concerns for e-docs
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Covers technical writing techniques that are applicable to other forms of writing
Teaches important nuances of technical writing, such as reader-oriented approaches, paragraph structure, and tone
Discusses the use of jargon and ambiguity in technical writing, which is often essential for technical professionals
Taught by an instructor specializing in technical report writing
Save this course
Save Writing Better Technical Reports to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Writing Better Technical Reports with these
activities:
Organize Your Course Resources
Show steps
Establish a system for organizing your course materials to enhance your learning efficiency.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
-
Gather all your course materials (notes, slides, assignments).
-
Create a designated workspace or folder.
-
Develop a filing system for different types of materials.
-
Regularly review and purge unnecessary materials.
Review Technical Jargon
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of technical jargon to improve your comprehension of technical reports.
Show steps
-
Identify common technical terms and their definitions.
-
Practice using the terms in context.
-
Create a glossary of technical terms for reference.
Read 'Elements of Style' by Strunk & White
Show steps
Gain a foundational understanding of clear and concise writing principles.
View
The Elements of Style
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through the book thoroughly.
-
Apply the principles to your own writing.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Review sentence structure
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the basic building blocks of sentences to strengthen your writing skills.
Browse courses on
Sentence Structure
Show steps
-
Identify the subject and verb in example sentences.
-
Diagram five sentences to visualize their structure.
-
Practice writing sentences with different sentence structures.
Summary Writing Exercises
Show steps
Develop your ability to condense complex technical information into clear and concise summaries.
Show steps
-
Choose a technical article or report.
-
Identify the main points and supporting details.
-
Write a summary that captures the essential information.
-
Have a peer or instructor review your summary for feedback.
Online Grammar Checkers
Show steps
Utilize online grammar checkers to enhance your writing accuracy and efficiency.
Browse courses on
Grammar
Show steps
-
Explore different online grammar checkers.
-
Choose a checker that meets your needs.
-
Use the checker to review your writing regularly.
Volunteer at a Local Library
Show steps
Develop your communication skills and gain experience presenting to a diverse audience.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
-
Inquire about volunteer opportunities at your local library.
-
Choose a role that aligns with your interests.
-
Prepare and deliver presentations on technical topics to library patrons.
Develop a Technical Report Template
Show steps
Create a customized template to streamline your technical report writing process.
Browse courses on
Technical Writing
Show steps
-
Gather examples of effective technical reports.
-
Identify the common elements and structure of these reports.
-
Develop a template that includes these elements and structure.
-
Test the template by writing a technical report using it.
-
Refine the template based on your experience.
Write a White Paper
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of a technical topic by researching and writing a comprehensive white paper.
Browse courses on
Technical Writing
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and expertise.
-
Conduct thorough research to gather data and insights.
-
Develop an outline and structure for your white paper.
-
Write a draft and seek feedback from peers or mentors.
-
Finalize and publish your white paper.
Organize Your Course Resources
Show steps
Establish a system for organizing your course materials to enhance your learning efficiency.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all your course materials (notes, slides, assignments).
- Create a designated workspace or folder.
- Develop a filing system for different types of materials.
- Regularly review and purge unnecessary materials.
Review Technical Jargon
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of technical jargon to improve your comprehension of technical reports.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify common technical terms and their definitions.
- Practice using the terms in context.
- Create a glossary of technical terms for reference.
Read 'Elements of Style' by Strunk & White
Show steps
Gain a foundational understanding of clear and concise writing principles.
View
The Elements of Style
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book thoroughly.
- Apply the principles to your own writing.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Review sentence structure
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the basic building blocks of sentences to strengthen your writing skills.
Browse courses on
Sentence Structure
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the subject and verb in example sentences.
- Diagram five sentences to visualize their structure.
- Practice writing sentences with different sentence structures.
Summary Writing Exercises
Show steps
Develop your ability to condense complex technical information into clear and concise summaries.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a technical article or report.
- Identify the main points and supporting details.
- Write a summary that captures the essential information.
- Have a peer or instructor review your summary for feedback.
Online Grammar Checkers
Show steps
Utilize online grammar checkers to enhance your writing accuracy and efficiency.
Browse courses on
Grammar
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore different online grammar checkers.
- Choose a checker that meets your needs.
- Use the checker to review your writing regularly.
Volunteer at a Local Library
Show steps
Develop your communication skills and gain experience presenting to a diverse audience.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Inquire about volunteer opportunities at your local library.
- Choose a role that aligns with your interests.
- Prepare and deliver presentations on technical topics to library patrons.
Develop a Technical Report Template
Show steps
Create a customized template to streamline your technical report writing process.
Browse courses on
Technical Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather examples of effective technical reports.
- Identify the common elements and structure of these reports.
- Develop a template that includes these elements and structure.
- Test the template by writing a technical report using it.
- Refine the template based on your experience.
Write a White Paper
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of a technical topic by researching and writing a comprehensive white paper.
Browse courses on
Technical Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and expertise.
- Conduct thorough research to gather data and insights.
- Develop an outline and structure for your white paper.
- Write a draft and seek feedback from peers or mentors.
- Finalize and publish your white paper.
Career center
Learners who complete Writing Better Technical Reports will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Technical Communicator
Technical Communicator
Technical Communicators create and deliver technical information to a variety of audiences. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be beneficial for Technical Communicators who need to write clear and concise documentation on technical topics. This course can help Technical Communicators learn how to structure their documentation, use appropriate language, and avoid ambiguity and jargon.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation that explains complex technical information to a variety of audiences. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can help Technical Writers learn how to write clear, concise, and accurate documentation. This course can also help Technical Writers learn how to use appropriate style and tone, and how to avoid ambiguity and jargon.
Proposal Writer
Proposal Writer
Proposal Writers create documents that outline a solution to a problem and request funding or support. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can provide the knowledge and skills necessary to write persuasive and engaging proposals. This course can be a great tool for Proposal Writers to learn how to structure their proposals, choose the right words, and avoid ambiguity.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be beneficial for Consultants who need to write clear and concise reports that communicate their findings and recommendations. This course can help Consultants learn how to organize their reports, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to customers. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be helpful for Technical Support Specialists who need to write clear and concise documentation on how to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. This course can help Technical Support Specialists learn how to structure their reports, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers design and develop educational materials. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be helpful for Instructional Designers who need to write clear and concise documentation on their instructional designs. This course can help Instructional Designers learn how to structure their documentation, use appropriate language, and avoid ambiguity and jargon.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can help Systems Analysts learn how to write clear and concise documentation that explains the design and implementation of their systems. This course can also help Systems Analysts learn how to use appropriate style and tone, and how to avoid ambiguity and jargon.
Content Writer
Content Writer
Content Writers create written content for websites, blogs, and other marketing materials. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be helpful for Content Writers who need to write clear and concise content that is engaging and informative. This course can help Content Writers learn how to structure their content, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be useful for Software Engineers who need to write clear and concise documentation on the design and implementation of their software systems. This course can also help Software Engineers learn how to use appropriate style and tone, and how to avoid ambiguity and jargon.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software systems to ensure that they meet quality standards. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts who need to write clear and concise documentation on their test results and recommendations. This course can also help Quality Assurance Analysts learn how to use appropriate style and tone, and how to avoid ambiguity and jargon.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be useful for Project Managers who need to write clear and concise reports on the progress of their projects. This course can help Project Managers learn how to structure their reports, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers plan, develop, and launch new products. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be helpful for Product Managers who need to write clear and concise documentation on their product plans and launches. This course can help Product Managers learn how to structure their reports, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers design and evaluate user interfaces for websites and software applications. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be helpful for User Experience Designers who need to write clear and concise documentation on their design decisions and recommendations. This course can help User Experience Designers learn how to structure their reports, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
Information Architect
Information Architect
Information Architects design and organize the content on websites and software applications. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be helpful for Information Architects who need to write clear and concise documentation on their design decisions and recommendations. This course can help Information Architects learn how to structure their reports, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze data to extract meaningful insights. The course, Writing Better Technical Reports, can be helpful for Data Scientists who need to write clear and concise reports on their findings. This course can help Data Scientists learn how to structure their reports, use appropriate language, and avoid jargon.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/29lyge/writing
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Writing Better Technical Reports.
Provides a comprehensive overview of technical communication, covering topics such as audience analysis, document design, and ethics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the field of technical communication.
Save
Classic guide to writing style, offering advice on how to write clear, concise, and effective prose. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
Save
Fascinating exploration of the science of style, offering insights into how we write and how we read. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of writing.
Classic guide to writing, offering practical advice on how to write clear, concise, and effective prose. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
Save
Witty and encouraging guide to writing, offering advice on how to overcome writer's block and get your words down on paper. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write more creatively.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of technical writing, covering topics such as audience analysis, document design, and ethics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the art of technical writing.
Provides a user-friendly introduction to technical writing, covering topics such as planning, drafting, and editing. It good choice for students who are new to the field of technical writing.
Comprehensive style guide for writers and editors, covering topics such as grammar, punctuation, and citation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write and edit clear and concise prose.
Style guide for writers and editors of medical documents, covering topics such as grammar, punctuation, and citation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write and edit clear and concise medical prose.
Save
Style guide for writers and editors of humanities documents, covering topics such as grammar, punctuation, and citation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write and edit clear and concise prose in the humanities.
Style guide for writers and editors of social science documents, covering topics such as grammar, punctuation, and citation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write and edit clear and concise prose in the social sciences.
Comprehensive style guide for writers and editors, covering topics such as grammar, punctuation, and citation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write and edit clear and concise prose in any field.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/29lyge/writing
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Time
67 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Glenn Weadock
Language
English
Good to know
Covers technical writing techniques that are applicable to other forms of writing
Teaches important nuances of technical writing, such as reader-oriented approaches, paragraph structure, and tone
Discusses the use of jargon and ambiguity in technical writing, which is often essential for technical professionals
Taught by an instructor specializing in technical report writing
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