Technical Report Writing

  • Overview
  • Objectives
  • Course Content
  • Methodology

Technical writing needs to be as understandable as possible, and more often than not, needs far less detail. Many readers of technical reports, such as senior managers, may not fully understand the technical jargon. When writing technical reports, the author must be able to translate complex findings and analysis into a clear, easy to understand report, to aid the reader in making effective decision.

During this program, delegates will practice writing language that is clear and concise. Focus will be given to report format and content; which will ensure that your report has a good structure and flow; making it easier for the readers to comprehend.

 

  • Understand the difference between technical report and business report
  • Compare and Analyze different technical reports
  • Understand the principles of clear and concise writing
  • Develop effective communication with technical as well as non-technical staff at all levels – matching your content to your readers’ knowledge
  • Learn how to keep information specific rather than general
  • Explore techniques on how to collect, organize, Analyze and evaluate information
  • Edit wordy phrases – using simple words rather than complex ones
  • Keep technical terms to a minimum – avoiding jargon, acronyms and abbreviations
  • Appreciate the importance of writing clear and concise formal reports, equipment manuals and other technical documentation
  • Know how to use examples and illustrations
  • Learn how to transfer technical information into graphs, flowcharts and tables
  • Use good layout to draw attention to key technical information

Below is an example of the course content. The content can be ‘tailored’ to meet the exact requirements of the client.

 

Day One

Introduction

·         What types of report do you write?

·         Different types of technical reports

·         Characteristics of technical reports

·         The three stages of report writing: preparing, writing and editing

·         Obstacles in writing technical reports

Elements of technical report writing

·         Factual versus opinion

·         Logical flow of writing

·         Results of research

·         Terms of reference

·         Writing an introduction

Planning the report

·         Define the purpose of the report

·         Addressing the needs of different readers

·         What do you want your readers to know, feel and do

·         Brainstorming the topic

·         Determining the scope of the report

 

Day Two

Layout of a report

·         The benefits of a well-structured report

·         Structuring complex information

·         Generic frameworks

·         Writing a beginning, middle and an end for your report

·         Bringing technical writing to life – choosing the right style

·         Technical report checklist

Writing the report

·         The importance of drafting the report

·         Organizing the information in chronological manner

·         Determining style and format

Writing specialist documents

·         Research findings

·         Technical specifications

·         Feasibility reports

Presenting the report

·         Knowing when and what to edit

·         The technical document reading process

·         Proofreading – demonstrating professional credibility

 

The foundation of our training is anchored in activity-based experiential learning. This methodology takes into consideration different learning and communication styles, and more importantly language and cultural differences. It is through active participation that the adoption and application of theory is expedited. Our training team pays careful attention to planning and designing effective instructional methods essential for the transfer of knowledge. It is the creative skill of our management trainers and consultants that reveal untapped skills of the delegates through:

  • Group discussion
  • Individual and syndicate activities
  • Individual and group tasks
  • Case studies
  • Role plays
  • Audio and video evaluation
  • Action planning
  • Experiential learning games
  • Presentations
  • Assessments
Scroll to Top