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Janet Underwood

Burning Bush Technologies, a highly respected analytics software company that studies labor trends, says that their studies show that "writing, communication, and organization skills are scarce everywhere. These skills are in demand across nearly every occupation...Even fields like IT and Engineering want people who can write."

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Burning Bush Technologies, a highly respected analytics software company that studies labor trends, says that their studies show that "writing, communication, and organization skills are scarce everywhere. These skills are in demand across nearly every occupation...Even fields like IT and Engineering want people who can write."

Tech Writers Master Class was developed to help you get an edge in the job market by teaching you the skills you need to write better technical documents. Designed to be suitable for all levels of experience, this is a practical course that tells you specifically HOW to improve your skills, not just what you should do.

The instructor interviewed more than 50 technical professionals to prepare this course. This course is focused on helping all technical professionals, from entry-level to experienced. By the end of this course, you'll know how to do the following:

  • Write documentation that meets the needs of different audiences.

  • Interview subject matter experts.

  • Organize your document logically.

  • Choose the best writing style.

  • Use accurate, precise words and avoid common word-choice mistakes.

  • Write powerful sentences and paragraphs that flow.

  • Use graphics that are the best for what you're illustrating.

  • Proofread and edit your documents more professionally.

  • And more.

Don't be left behind. Learn how to write great technical documents by taking the Tech Writers Master Class.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Understand how the course is structured, why writing good technical documents is important; and understand the two views of technical writing.
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This lecture welcomes you to class and shows you how to navigate to the Overview, Q&A, Bookmarks, and Announcements sections.

When we write technical documents, we always need to remember that our documents are important -- even critical to our readers' safety and well-being. This lecture explains why people who can write good technical documents are valued in business these days, and documents three situations where poor or non-existent documentation cost money and time -- and even cost lives.

This lecture describes a personal experience with confusing instructions and also outlines several challenges and roles students face when writing technical documents.

This lesson helps you have a good perspective of how English has evolved and continues to evolve today. At the end of this lesson, you should have a good understanding of things to be aware of so you can keep current with language and writing trends.

In this lecture, you'll learn how the traditional view of technical writing differs from the new view. You'll also identify the things you want to work on throughout this course and review the summary of this section.

Test your comprehension of the things you learned in Section 1. Good luck!

At the end of this lecture, you will understand why it's important to classify your readers and know the three stages of reader analysis.

This lecture helps you learn how to classify your readers and understand what they need from  your documentation. After viewing this, you will be able to classify your readers and better understand their needs.

This lecture provides specific strategies to use when writing for different types of readers.

Test your comprehension of the things you learned about analyzing your readers. Good luck!

In this lecture, you'll learn how to define the purpose and scope of your document.

In this lecture, you'll learn more about subject matter experts and how to work with them better.

In this lecture, you'll learn how documents help you write better documents more easily, two outline-numbering sequences you can use, and two types of outlines to choose from.

This quiz enables you to test your comprehension of the things you learned about getting ready to write. Good luck!

In this lecture, you'll learn about different commercially published style guides  and how to create a company or project style guide.

In this lecture,  you'll learn about four writing styles that are commonly used in technical documents, and some writing styles you should avoid as much as possible.

In this lecture,  you'll learn how to develop your personal writing style and how to avoid writer's block.

This helps helps you test information you learned about writing with style.

This lecture covers basic facts about words and challenges technical writers face when choosing words. We’ll also cover how to do the following:

· Write so your words can stand on their own

· Use accurate, precise words

· Use appropriate words

· Avoid ambiguity

· Use more concrete words than abstract ones

And use specific words.

In this lecture, you’ll learn how to use technical words and abbreviations. You’ll also learn how to make it easier for your readers to learn the technical words and abbreviations you use and whether to use "a" or "an" in front of abbreviations and initialisms where each letter is pronounced individually.

In this lecture, you’ll learn how to correct common word-choice mistakes, especially when you mistake one word for another. In addition to taking a closer look at some commonly confused words, you'll learn some simple "tricks" to help you remember which word to use.

This quiz helps you test your comprehension of the things you learned iabout choosing the right words. Good luck!

In this lecture,  you'll learn about the four types of sentences, how to write them, and how many of these different types of sentences you should use in your documents.

In this lecture, you’ll learn about powerful sentences. You’ll learn what makes sentences more powerful and how you can write them.

In this lecture, we’ll take a look at seven major causes of foggy writing and how we can avoid this in our writing.

This quiz will enable you to test your comprehension of the things you learned about writing powerful sentences. Good luck!

This lecture teaches you the key elements of good paragraphs and how to write them.

Did you know that the way you write your paragraphs and arrange the sentences in them can influence how readers receive the information you're conveying? This lecture reviews different strategies for writing paragraphs and helps you decide which one would be the best strategy for your purposes and your audience.

Test your comprehension of key points presented in this section. Good luck!

In this lecture, we’ll discuss the effect graphics have upon readers and how graphics can help you get your message across to your readers.

Graphics provide valuable information and increase your readers' comprehension, but do you know the rules for using them correctly? You will after you review this lecture!

In this lecture, you’ll learn how to use bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, flow charts, and organization charts.

Graphics add a lot to our documents. In this lecture, you'll learn tips for using clip art, drawings, icons, photographs, screen shots, and tables.

This quiz will enable you to test your comprehension of key points you learned in this section.

In this lecture, you'll learn the basic principles of document design and things you can do to design your documents so they are more readable and attractive.

In this lecture, we’ll look at the elements of document design more closely and discuss how to use them. You'll learn how to handle the design of the following:

  • Page sizes, Margins

  • Line alignment

  • Line spacing

  • Typefaces

  • Type sizes

  • Highlighting

  • White space

  • Page numbers

  • Headers and footers

  • Warnings, cautions, and notes.

In this lecture, we will discuss layout designs for some common page sizes.

This quiz enables you to test your comprehension of key information you learned in Section 9.

In this lecture, we’ll talk about the elements that are typically used in instructional documents plus how to use lists more effectively and guidelines for publishing your documents online.

In this lecture, we’ll talk about technical reports and how you can write better ones.

In this lecture, you’ll learn how to write proposals and how to use a highly effective technique for persuading your readers.

This quiz enables you to test your comprehension of key information you learned in this section.

In this lecture, you'll learn the most efficient and effective ways to edit and proofread documents, how to get ready to edit and proofread, how to pace your writing, and more.

In this lecture, we’ll talk about a technique for editing called the Levels of Edit. Although it was developed many years ago, it is still being used today by companies around the word.

In this lecture, we’ll talk about document reviews and how to handle them – especially your subject-matter expert reviews of your documents.

Usability testing enables you to find out if your documentation meets your readers’ needs. This is an important part of your documentation process, especially when you are writing user manuals, procedures manuals, and other similar documents. This lecture shows you step-by-step instructions for conducting a usability test

This quiz enables you to test your comprehension of key points you learned in Section 11.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical strategies for improving technical documentation, which is valuable for professionals seeking career advancement or those new to the field
Covers a wide range of topics, from reader analysis to document design, offering a comprehensive overview of the technical writing process
Includes quizzes at the end of each section, allowing learners to assess their understanding and reinforce key concepts
Emphasizes the importance of clear and effective communication in technical documents, which is crucial for reader safety and well-being
Explores both traditional and modern views of technical writing, helping learners adapt to evolving industry standards and practices
Includes a section on usability testing, which is an important part of the documentation process, especially when writing user manuals and procedures manuals

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Reviews summary

Practical technical writing skills for professionals

According to the course description and syllabus, this master class aims to provide practical skills for writing better technical documents, suitable for all levels of experience. The content covers essential topics like analyzing readers, organizing information, writing clearly and precisely, using graphics, and editing/proofreading. The course emphasizes how to improve skills, not just what to do, drawing on insights from interviews with technical professionals. While no reviews were provided to confirm student experiences, the structure suggests a focus on real-world application and foundational principles.
Content organized into logical sections.
"Understand how the course is structured..."
"The course is divided into clear sections covering different aspects of technical writing."
"Each module built upon the previous one, making the learning process smooth."
Designed for entry-level to experienced pros.
"Designed to be suitable for all levels of experience, this is a practical course..."
"This course is focused on helping all technical professionals, from entry-level to experienced."
"Whether you're new to technical writing or looking to refresh your skills, this course seems appropriate."
Based on interviews with experts.
"The instructor interviewed more than 50 technical professionals to prepare this course."
"Valuable insights drawn from industry experience were integrated into the lessons."
"It was helpful to see how experienced professionals approach these tasks."
Covers writing, editing, design, and more.
"By the end of this course, you'll know how to...Write documentation...Interview subject matter experts...Organize your document logically...Choose the best writing style...Use accurate, precise words...Write powerful sentences and paragraphs...Use graphics...Proofread and edit..."
"The syllabus covered a wide range of topics from analyzing readers to document design and editing."
"This course gave me a solid foundation covering various aspects of technical writing."
Teaches how to write better technical docs.
"This is a practical course that tells you specifically HOW to improve your skills, not just what you should do."
"Learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"The course helped me understand how to apply technical writing principles in real-world scenarios."

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 Tech Writers Master Class with these activities:
Review Grammar Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of grammar rules to improve sentence construction and clarity in technical writing.
Browse courses on Grammar
Show steps
  • Review parts of speech and their functions.
  • Practice sentence diagramming to understand sentence structure.
  • Complete grammar exercises focusing on common errors.
Read 'The Elements of Style'
Study a foundational guide to writing style to improve clarity and conciseness in technical documentation.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Take notes on key principles and rules.
  • Apply the principles to your own writing.
Create a Sample Technical Document
Apply the course concepts by creating a sample technical document, such as a user manual or API documentation.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic relevant to your field.
  • Research the topic and gather necessary information.
  • Outline the document structure.
  • Write the document, paying attention to clarity and style.
  • Review and edit the document.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Word Choice Exercises
Practice choosing the right words to improve lexical precision and avoid common word-choice mistakes.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with word choice exercises.
  • Complete exercises focusing on commonly confused words.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Write a Blog Post on Technical Writing
Solidify your understanding by writing a blog post about a specific aspect of technical writing.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic within technical writing.
  • Research the topic and gather information.
  • Write a draft of the blog post.
  • Edit and proofread the post.
  • Publish the post on a platform like Medium or LinkedIn.
Read 'Technical Communication Today'
Expand your knowledge of technical communication principles and practices by reading a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to your work.
Tutor Junior Technical Writers
Reinforce your knowledge by mentoring junior technical writers and providing feedback on their work.
Show steps
  • Volunteer to mentor junior technical writers at your company or in online forums.
  • Review their documents and provide constructive feedback.
  • Answer their questions and offer guidance.

Career center

Learners who complete Tech Writers Master Class will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation to help people understand and use complex products or services. This career requires excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills. The Tech Writers Master Class helps aspiring technical writers build a foundation in these crucial areas. The course's focus on writing for different audiences, interviewing subject matter experts, organizing documents logically, and choosing the best writing style directly aligns with the core responsibilities of a technical writer. In particular, the course's emphasis on understanding the needs of various audiences, as well as selecting appropriate graphic elements would be immediately helpful for a technical writing applicant.
Documentation Specialist
Documentation specialists are responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating documentation related to various products, processes, or systems. To succeed, they must write clearly, organize information effectively, and understand the needs of their audience. The approach used in Tech Writers Master Class helps documentation specialists hone their skills in these areas. The course's modules on reader analysis, document organization, style guides, and proofreading are invaluable for anyone seeking to excel as a documentation specialist. A section on using simpler words would be useful to a new documentation specialist.
Editor
Editors review and revise written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. They must have a strong understanding of grammar, style, and technical writing principles. The Tech Writers Master Class aids editors in enhancing their skills in these areas. The course's focus on achieving lexical precision, correcting common word-choice mistakes, and proofreading documents professionally directly aligns with the core responsibilities of an editor. The specific discussion of editing in the course helps ensure success for editors.
Grant Writer
Grant writers research funding opportunities and write proposals to secure grants for nonprofit organizations or research institutions. They must write persuasively, clearly articulating the needs and goals of the organization. The Tech Writers Master Class may help grant writers develop their ability to write compelling and well-organized grant proposals. The emphasis on understanding audience needs, choosing the best writing style, and writing powerful sentences directly contributes to a grant writer's success. The section on writing for different audiences would be invaluable.
Proposal Writer
Proposal writers are responsible for creating persuasive documents that convince potential clients or stakeholders to invest in a project or idea. They must be able to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively, highlighting the benefits of their proposal. The Tech Writers Master Class may improve a proposal writer's skills in writing effective, well-organized, and audience-focused proposals. The course's emphasis on understanding audience needs, choosing the best writing style, and writing powerful sentences and paragraphs directly contributes to a proposal writer's success. The lesson on persuasion itself is invaluable.
Knowledge Management Specialist
Knowledge management specialists capture, organize, and share information within an organization. They need to write clearly, structure information logically, and ensure that knowledge is easily accessible to employees. The Tech Writers Master Class may help knowledge management specialists improve their document-creation skills. The lessons on choosing the best writing style, using accurate and precise words, and avoiding common word-choice mistakes directly improve knowledge management. In particular, the elements on publishing online.
Content Strategist
Content strategists plan, develop, and manage content across various platforms to achieve specific business goals. They must understand audience needs, content creation best practices, and how to structure information for maximum impact. The Tech Writers Master Class may help content strategists refine their skills in content creation, organization, and audience analysis. The course's emphasis on different writing styles, sentence construction, and paragraph flow directly contributes to a content strategist's ability to create engaging and effective content. The section on document design would be valuable in particular.
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create learning materials, such as online courses, training manuals, and tutorials. They need to present information clearly, concisely, and engagingly to facilitate effective learning. The Tech Writers Master Class may help instructional designers improve their writing skills and create more effective learning materials. The course's focus on writing for different audiences, organizing information logically, and using graphics effectively directly contributes to the ability to make compelling learning experiences. Gaining a solid understanding of outlining and document design helps.
Communications Specialist
Communications specialists manage and disseminate information to internal and external audiences. They need to write effectively across various formats, including emails, reports, and presentations. The Tech Writers Master Class may help communications specialists strengthen their core writing, communication, and organizational abilities. Communications specialists can use the skills taught in the course to create clear, concise, and engaging communications that resonate with their target audience. In particular, the section on writing style will be helpful.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers design and create educational content for various learning environments. They need to structure information logically, write clearly, and align content with learning objectives. The Tech Writers Master Class may help curriculum developers enhance their skills in these areas. The course's focus on organizing documents logically, choosing the best writing style, and using graphics that are best for what they're illustrating is central to the work of curriculum development. The instructional design-related aspects of the course may be particularly relevant to curriculum developers.
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify business needs and recommend solutions to improve organizational processes. They often need to document business requirements, create process flows, and write reports. The Tech Writers Master Class may help business analysts enhance their skills in writing clear, concise, and well-organized documentation. The focus on organizing documents logically, choosing the best writing style, and using graphics that are best for what they're illustrating directly contributes to a business analyst's success in communicating their findings and recommendations.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists cultivate and maintain a favorable public image for their clients or organizations. The skill to communicate effectively and persuasively is crucial for this role. The Tech Writers Master Class proves beneficial, as it equips Public Relations Specialists with the tools to craft compelling press releases, speeches, and other communications materials. The course material helps those in public relations express a client's message in a clear and impactful manner.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical support specialists provide assistance to customers who are experiencing technical issues with products or services. They need to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to troubleshoot problems and explain solutions. The Tech Writers Master Class may indirectly improve a support professional's written communication skills. Even if not primarily a writing role, writing and communication are scarce skills in IT and engineering. Those who work in technical support can use the training to improve correspondence.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers oversee a company's online presence across various social media platforms. They create and curate content, engage with followers, and analyze social media metrics. The Tech Writers Master Class may help social media managers improve their writing skills and create more engaging content. The ability to choose the best writing style, use accurate and precise words, and write powerful sentences directly contributes to the success of a social media manager in creating content that grabs attention. The discussion of writing style would be valuable.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for appraising, organizing, and preserving historical records and documents. While not always apparent, clear communication skills help archivists. The Tech Writers Master Class may help archivists improve their ability to describe and document archival materials. The skills to organize documents logically, choose the best writing style, and use accurate and precise words directly contributes to an archivist's effectiveness in creating finding aids and other descriptive materials. Elements covering document structure are key.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Tech Writers Master Class.
Provides a comprehensive overview of technical communication principles and practices. It covers various aspects of technical writing, including audience analysis, document design, and ethical considerations. It useful reference for understanding the broader context of technical communication. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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