Technical Writing as a Career Option

I). An introduction to Technical writing
Technical writing is the process of conveying information in a readable/ understandable manner to a specific end user. It is the ability to explain complicated theory in easy words. Technical writers are also known as information developers, documentation specialists, technical communicators, communication specialists.

II). Key attributes for Technical writing
The word "Technical" comes from the Greek word techne, which simply means "skill".
The first rule of technical writing is "KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE." Writers who know their audiences well are in a position to suggest and implement solutions to problems in a better way. Additional attributes are mentioned below:
• Strong communication skills
• Good training skills
• Excellent eye for detail
• Good editing skills
• Ability to learn quite rapidly new software, industrial process or the latest gadget in market
• Good listening skills

III). Types of technical documents
Technical manuals can be broadly classified into two types:
• The User manual; enabling the end user to understand the functionality of the machine/software/application. It is basically a “HOW TO” document.
• The Technical manual is meant to be used by the technician.
Technical writing is not only limited to various machines and gadgets but their importance is equally regarded in the software industry. In technical words they are an integral part of the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle).

Technical communicators write, design, and/or edit proposals, manuals, web pages, lab reports, newsletters, and many other kinds of professional documents.

Types of manuals that a technical writer will produce are mentioned below:
• Brochures
• Process documents
• Business proposals
• Policies and procedures
• Resumes
• Data sheets
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) etc
Summing it up: Technical writing bridges the gap between the developer/ manufacturer and the end user.

IV). Authoring tools for technical writing
Other than the ability to write effectively and briefly the technical writer must possess knowledge about a few authoring tools that is useful in producing documents.
• Adobe FrameMaker
• Microsoft Word
• Adobe RoboHelp
• Techsmith SnagIt
• Microsoft Visio
Reference guides like the Chicago manual of style or Microsoft manual of style will also expand a technical writer’s knowledge of style and document writing process.

V). Technical writing as a profession
Earlier the technical documents were made by people from specific fields of expertise having a flair for writing. The scenario now has changed and more options are open for people with a flair for writing.

Few advantages of taking up technical writing as a profession:
• Along with journalism and copy writing, a technical writer can also work as a content writer, instructional writer.
• High-tech companies value good technical writers.
• Pay rates have increased in recent years. The detailed pay chart is available with STC (Society for Technical Communication)
• Technical writing enhances the domain/business knowledge.
• Point of entry into the IT industry.
• It can also be called as the next big thing! With an average of 30-50 vacancies for technical writers across companies.
• Freelancing

VI). Training Institutes
Professional institutes like The Writers Block (TWB), Bangalore; KBuffer Online, Chennai; Technowrites, Pune are involved in training budding technical writers for the industry.

These institutes teach the fundamentals of technical writing, editing techniques and also guide a beginner through the documentation tools used for creating manuals.

A certified technical writer has the advantage of better placement opportunities due to recognition from these institutes.

STC (Society for Technical Communication) and TWIN (Technical Writers of India) are support organisations for budding technical writers. For more details log on to http://www.stc.org or http://www.twin-india.org/

Emotionally Independent or Emotionally Detached?

I am a living being, an amalgamation of various chemicals, atoms and molecules.
I can feel heat as much I can feel cold.
My heart fills with love as much with sorrow.
My eyes shed tears for reasons not known yet. In sorrow I cry, in happiness I cry.
When angry, I shout or just shut up; in happiness I smile or laugh out loud.
I am just a structure of 206 bones wrapped in flesh covered with miles and miles of veins and filled with litres of blood.
When I fall I am hurt I feel pain and I bleed. When I fall I am hurt I feel pain and I don’t bleed. While I am alone, I need company to speak and share.
I also feel sad when the love of my life goes away; never to come back.
I also feel frustrated when things do not happen as I want.
I also feel angry when a person not known to me abuses me.

WHY? What am I?

Is this what is known to be a human being?
How do I tell the difference?
The heart in me pumps blood to the veins so that they can function. The eyes see and act as the body’s camera to transmit live images to the brain. It is the brain that analyses the image and further instructs what has to be done. The body is all about mechanised functions programmed to operate on its own until stopped by an outside agent/force. It is a robot of sorts. But still it is called a human body and not a machine. Surprising! Isn’t it? The only thing that can differentiate between me and a robot is feelings. I am not a cyborg! Devoid of pain and fear.

I feel the pain & am hurt. And walk with a heavy heart. Likewise, when I see those eyes, a smile appears on my lips and my heart wants to sing. I need a hug to re-assure myself that I am not alone. Why is the heart involved? When, its primary function is only to pump blood. Like a piston in a vehicle.

What is the difference between me and a robot? It is feelings.

A robot is programmed to function as decided by its owner. I am conditioned by my people. A robot cannot think whereas I do the thinking. But like a robot I too at times; if not always forget to follow my thoughts and act according to those of others. Does it not mean that I too have become a robot? At least the robot doesn’t have a conflict of thoughts. It just performs as programmed whereas I act when I do not follow my thoughts; but those of others. Then the feelings are missing and I too become a robot.
I stop on my own either due to my mental conditioning or the society for the fear of spoiling my image. That helps neither towards the work done nor towards the self. It’s just wasting time to portray a sober good image that which is demanded by the society and not by me. I just want to be me! Free!!!

So what am I? Who am I? Am I a mechanised robot or a living robot?

Now that I know what I am what if I remove the “I” from me? What do I see? Who is the one standing on the other side of the mirror? Is that me or just an amalgamation of chemicals, atoms and molecules.
Why not remove the “I” in me that I which is my ego and I too shall become one with the surroundings. I too will gel with the fragrance emanating from the lovely rose, I too will be able to fly with the birds and not remain caged in the prison of my inherited thoughts.