Writing an article for your client on a technical subject matter can be daunting. Industry jargon, technicalities and the subject’s inner workings can make this kind of writing uniquely complex.
However, writing about a technical subject from an outside perspective has its own advantages. It helps ensure the language is accessible and clear to a new audience. In this blog post, I uncover four tips for writing clear, accurate and impactful technical articles.
Establish a General Understanding of Your Topic
Before writing, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research. In my previous blog “Five Ways to Gain Deeper Insight into Your Client’s Industry,” I explore strategies to establish a strong foundation in your client’s field. This includes conducting a SWOT analysis, staying current with industry developments, pinpointing key industry publications and familiarizing yourself with industry-specific terminology.
Technical subjects are inherently complex, so research is an essential step before writing. Trying to write a technical article without a fundamental grasp of the subject matter can lead to a confusing and frustrating writing process.
Utilize Information from Your Client
When crafting a technical piece, leverage your client’s existing knowledge. After all, they are experts in the field. However, it’s essential to be mindful of your client’s time. Be sure to use resources they’ve provided before seeking clarifications. For instance, blog posts, white papers and past interviews can provide valuable information, each offering insights into the technical intricacies you’re addressing.
However, if you’re tackling a topic that’s new for your client, it’s helpful to arrange an interview with one of their subject matter experts (SME). This ensures you’re working with accurate information. You should prepare for an SME interview by crafting a set of well-thought-out questions. During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions to help develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Examine Your Work from an Outside Perspective
While you’re writing, you should pause periodically to evaluate whether your work is clear. This might seem obvious, but not doing so is a common mistake in technical writing. Especially when dealing with technical subjects, the article may appear logical as you compose it, but taking a step back can reveal potential areas of confusion.
Try to examine your work from your audience’s perspective. Not all your readers will have expertise in the subject. It may be necessary to define acronyms or terminology so the central themes of your article remain interconnected and understandable to a broader audience.
Leverage Peer Reviews
Peer reviews can help you see your writing with a fresh set of eyes. This practice is particularly advantageous for articles with a high degree of complexity, as it aids in identifying areas of potential confusion. An outside perspective will help you see if your article is technically correct and clearly written.
Leveraging the expertise of a colleague familiar with the article’s subject matter can help identify inaccuracies and provide useful examples. Conversely, feedback from a coworker who is less familiar with your client can simulate the viewpoint of a reader new to the subject. Both types of peer reviews can be highly beneficial.
Don’t let a complex subject intimidate you. Instead, take a moment to pause and consider the core message and key points you want to convey. By gaining a comprehensive grasp of the subject, tapping into your client’s insights, adopting a different perspective and incorporating peer reviews, you can simplify the writing process and ensure that your work is clear and impactful.