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Professionalism and Ethics in
Technical Writing Ethics in writing means that you're honest with your audience, you represent your evidence accurately by avoiding exaggeration or disinformation, and you give credit to the resources you use to complete your writing. Objectives
At the end of the lesson the students should be able
to: 1. Understand the Ethics and Law in Technical Writing. 2. Differentiate the Internal and External documents. 3. Apply the DO’s and DON’Ts in Technical Writing. Relevant Laws and Ethical Considerations Related to Technical Writing.
“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of
others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” – immanuuel kant Copyright Law
Covers the rights of the
author. In general, it is wrong to use written material, printed material, software, or photographs without express permission.
Ex: Books, Article, poems,
Music and Videos. Trademark Law
Pertains to federal protection (different from registered trademark). Ex: It is correct to specify that you want a box Kleenex® brand tissue It is incorrect to ask for kleenex Contract Law
Covers written warranties or
their implied warranties. The contract states the agreements between the two parties. That warranty may be implied or express. Liability Law
Pertains to responsibilities or obligation of writers especially claims they made on their paper.
Ex: professional malpractice, defamation, product defect and etc. DO’s of Technical Communication
Abide by relevant laws.
Abide by the appropriate corporate or professional code of conduct. Tell the truth. Be clear. Avoid discriminatory Language. Acknowledge assistance from others. DON’Ts of Technical Communication
Falseimplications Exaggerations Euphemisms Misleading the readers Type of Documents
Internal Documents Documents that External Documents
are for internal organization, staff Documents that are public members, or internal project team facing are classified under the members, like Development Guidelines, Technical guide, external documents. Testing Checklist, Manuals etc. 1. End User- Documents 2. Marketing Documents Best Practices in Technical Writing
1. Know Your Audience
2. Plan your Document 3. Gain Technical Knowledge 4. Make it Interactive 5. Follow Grammar & Writing Rules Know your Audience
Analyzing your Audience guides the intent of writing and determines
how complex or how simple the piece should be and how much the content level should be. • Identify your Target • Know the Culture of your Audience Plan your Documents
Plan the document skeleton
virtually in your mind while you are collecting the information. Create a list of all the tiny actions you need to take towards your goal
A technical writer must understand the subject and
purpose of the document that are also relevant to the document being written. Make it Interactive
Technical writing is centered on good planning and audience
focus. Here are some tips to make your presentation interactive. • Structured • Typography • Color code your notes • Visuals Follow Grammar and Writing Rules
Writing is somewhat delicate type of writing. You must put the words in the write order so that people will understand what you are saying or writing. • Use active voice • Be organized • Be consistent Take Away…
