What does it take to be a Technical Writer?

Do I have what it takes to be a technical writer? If you are seeking the answer to this question, read on. The five must have skills that any technical writer should possess are summarized here.


Aptitude for Technology
It is often presumed that a technical writer should be first, and foremost, tech-savvy to be effective. Although true to an extent, it does not really add up to the quality of writing, as the person who is tech-savvy will need to think and write like a novice to be on a level playing field with the user. It is never easy to fathom how little a first-timer   knows when you are already an expert. It is like going down stairs backwards. Being technologically challenged allows you to learn, and in the process helps you relate to the user and address their concerns in a better way. Having an aptitude for technology is, however, a prerequisite. An inherent ability to learn and adapt quickly gives you an edge over others.


English Language and Grammar Skills
Good command over English and grammar is an absolute necessity. In India, fluent English is often mistaken for excellent English. Moreover, being able to speak English does not make you a good writer. A technical writer writes, and like any other writer, a talent for writing is a must have. It entails expressing complicated technology in an easy-to-understand and unambiguous manner.

Knowledge of Technical Writing Authoring Tools
Technical writers are expected to be adept at using some technical writing tools namely Adobe Framemaker, RoboHelp, SnagIT, Dreamweaver and Camtasia.


Ability to Think Like a Journalist 
As a technical writer, you will need to interact with SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) constantly to extract information. Journalists have a knack for amassing information and their probing comprises of the 5 Ws and H, which is short for who, what, when, where, why and how. At the initial stage, you ought to think like a journalist when interacting with SMEs. You have to be sociable enough to get SMEs to come out of their comfort zones and attend to your queries.


Skill with Graphic Representation 
 If you have the ability to represent your data visually, it adds to the user-friendliness of the document. Software programs like Visio help depict ideas in a graphic way in the form of diagrams.