Why is Technical Writing Important?

The ever present, always changing to-do list seems to constantly grow and it often feels like no matter how many items I cross off, at least three more replace it.  This week for drama I need to watch Gone With the Wind.  I have seen it before and enjoyed it but need to watch it again so that I can post on the Discussion Board.  The only thing is, the movie is nearly four hours, so it will probably be done over a couple of evenings and normally the discussion is due on Sunday, but it is due early this week because the exam for module one is due on Saturday.  For Economics, Learning Plan #2 is due on Monday, this includes an assignment, a quiz and an exam.  I am allowed, and take full advantage of, the opportunity to do the assignment and quiz multiple times to practice for the exam.  I also do the study guides online.  For Technical Writing we are creating an E-Portfolio and starting to work on the Employment Packet project.  Both of those, along with this Blog, are the three major projects of the course with additional weekly assignments and projects based on the textbook, and discussion posts added it.  Yes, there is a lot to do.  

The blog prompt this week is to discuss the importance of Technical Writing for professional careers, how it can help in their career and what skills should be acquired.  Do I think Technical Writing is important in a professional setting?  Simple answer is absolutely.  In fact, I think Technical Writing is important in a personal setting as well.  It is important to know your audience, what knowledge do they have, what knowledge do they need from the document.  What type of document is the best instrument to deliver that information, whether a letter, memo or even email.  Should the document be attached to an email or printed and delivered.  If you are starting your own business, knowing how to deliver information about your company will help you spread the word and reach new clients or customers.  Even if you think you do not have a professional need, you may need to write a letter to a company to report an issue with a product, ask for a refund, work with an insurance company to file a claim.  Knowing the best format needed to deliver your message will benefit you in any setting.  

What skills can be learned from the Technical Writing Course?  To learn why you are writing, is your purpose to inform, instruct, propose, recommend or persuade.  Document type and format including font, margins, spacing and headings.  Using appropriate voice and tone, efficient wording, presenting accurate information in an organized manner while eliminating noise.  All these skills are beneficial to learn for effective communication in any setting.  

Of course, while I was going through the to-do list this week, life through a curve ball and added some unexpected items to the personal list, as it often does.  When that happens, prioritize and keep going, because there is always too much to do.