Technical and Expository Writing in the Corporate Environment
Charlotte Kappler
University of Phoenix
Technical and Expository Writing in the Corporate Environment
The technical writing style and expository writing styles are used to create a variety of documents in the corporate environment. “Although technical writing and expository writing are very similar, there are significant differences in the two styles” (Micron Technology, Inc. [Micron], 2008, ¶ 1).
“Technical writing conveys specific information about a technical subject to a specific audience for a specific purpose” (Micron 2008). Technical writing in the corporate environment may include instruction manuals, brochures, sales letters, blogs, inquiry or complaint letters, investigative, incident, or progress reports, newsletters, emails, websites, phone calls, blogging, proposals, reports, and instant messenger (Gearson & Gearson, 2008, p. 434). Examples of technical documents created in BancorpSouth’s Trust Operations are policy and procedure manuals, memos, disaster recovery plans, and inquiry letters.
Technical writing usually requires action, follow-up, dialog, or input from the audience. Therefore, effective technical writing is clear, accurate, and correct. Because technical writing is seldom read from beginning to end, like a novel generally is, the various sections must be easily accessible and well organized. And while technical writing needs to be comprehensive, it is also concise and carefully worded. (Micron, p. 2)
In the workplace, a writer can generally assume that the audience has knowledge of the subject matter if the writing is for a specific group. On the other hand, background material on the subject should be provided for readers with a variety of characteristics when the writing is not for a specific group (J. Buckley, personal communication, December 8, 2008).
“Achieving audience involvement requires that you strive for personalized tone and...