Technical Report Writing

Technical reports are aimed at a demanding audience and writing them can be a challenge. This course is for anyone producing such reports and who needs to develop a more professional approach. Learning is practical and interactive and delegates benefit from direct feedback through peer review
• produce technical reports that are clear, concise and effective
• adopt a systematic approach to structure and layout
• adopt practical techniques to organise information
• use plain English and correct punctuation
• use references, appendices, figures and graphics effectively
• develop a professional approach to business writing.

Introduction and icebreaker

1. What we are going to cover today.

Key Points

1. barriers to communication through the written word;
2. the importance of readability;
3. personal style;
4. getting the brief right;
5. understanding readers;
6. the advantages of a systematic approach;

Planning and Preparation

1. establishing the scope and purpose;
2. constraints of time and money;
3. confidentiality;
4. the collection, selection and arrangement of information.

Structure and Sequence

1. sequencing and layout;
2. tables, figures and appendices;
3. dealing with abstracts and summaries;
4. the body of the report;
5. conclusions and recommendations;
6. using references and bibliography.

Language use and Personal Style

1. a refresher on punctuation;
2. using plain English;
3. paragraph and sentence structure;
4. clarity and brevity;
5. identifying your 'voice' and personal clich?©s.

Standards and Conventions

1. 'house style' and best practice;
2. the use of diagrams and tabulations;
3. headings and labels.

Technical Report Writing in Practice

1. developing a professional approach;
2. building the technical report;
3. reviewing and providing feedback.

Checking for Quality

1. proofreading;
2. layout analysis;
3. revising and editing.

Action Plan

Implementing best practice at work.