Technical Report Writing

Course overview

Reports play an important part in the life of many professional people: they are a link between writer, colleagues and clients worldwide. Reading and writing reports occupies a considerable proportion of working time, particularly for senior staff. Yet many professionals (including those in engineering and technology) lack confidence in their report-writing skills, and feel that their credibility suffers because their reports are not a fair reflection of their expertise.

This two-day course analyses report preparation from the earliest stages of identifying the reader and the objectives to the effective presentation of the complete document. It is a highly practical course, giving delegates the opportunity to analyse technical writing in terms of style and grammar and to assess their own and their company’s policy for the revision and checking of documents before they are issued. Methods of structuring report material are suggested and practised.

Summaries are increasingly important: they make an initial impact, particularly on senior management, and may be used by readers who will never need the full report. The course includes discussion of summary writing and the opportunity to put ideas into practice.

Although the course is primarily concerned with reports, delegates often ask for advice about other forms of technical documentation, such as correspondence and e-mails, specifications and procedures; the tutor is happy to discuss such needs, within the group, if it is appropriate, or individually.

Delegates attending this two-day course are asked to send a sample in advance of a short report or other technical document they have written. The tutor will review these documents and discuss them with delegates individually at some point during the second day. Many have said that this brief ‘tutorial’ has been particularly useful in allowing them to assess their own work and to discuss how it can be improved in the future.

Who should attend

All those aiming to improve their  technical writing skills, especially engineers and technical editors.

Topics Covered

• A flexible session adapted for the group, for example: specifications and proposals; effective use of templates;
• Balance and emphasis: using headings effectively (workshop and discussion);
• Summary writing;
• Group work and individual tutorial session (delegates work on an exercise, while reports received in advance are returned and discussed individually);
• Checking the report;
• Closing discussion.

 

Course objectives

• Identifying the readership and the report objectives
• Writing clearly and unambiguously
• Structuring the data to achieve maximum impact
• Revising and thoroughly checking the document
• Presenting the report effectively, thus achieving reader goodwill

 

Members	£849 + VAT (£169.80) Total £1018.80
Non-members	£949 + VAT (£189.90) Total £1138.90
Early booking discount (two months in advance)
Members	£749 + VAT (£149.80) Total £898.80
Non-members	£899 + VAT (£179.80) Total £1078.80