All About Action
These three types of writing have much in common, and they often overlap in the workplace. Technical writing attempts to explain the complexities of technical subjects and technology; professional writing is grounded to the communication needs of an organization’s commercial enterprise; and public writing is grounded in writing for public, not specialized audiences. For example, a report highlighting the technical aspects and benefits of an open model MRI machine compared to the closed model is technical writing. The letter of transmittal that accompanies that report to the person who requested it is professional writing. Professional and technical communication actions are decidedly practical. The moment that technical and professional writing collide with the public at large, we engage with public writing. Using the same example of the open model MRI machine, the announcement or press release that would accompany a large medical complex acquiring an open model MRI machine to help improve health outcomes in a local community would be public writing
Even with the differences between professional, technical and public communication, the end product is the same-to have the reader, audience, or end user to take action in some way.
Examples
- If you write a report, you want your readers to use the information to make informed decisions.
- If you write a set of instructions, you want your readers to be able to perform the steps.
- If you write a specification, you want your reader to build the product.
- If you write a letter of complaint, you want your reader to resolve the issue.
- If you write a proposal, you want your reader to accept your position.
- If you write a letter to the parents of children in your class, you want your reader to make informed decisions regarding their child in your class.
Throughout this text, you will see that public and professional or technical writing builds on your existing knowledge of academic writing and applies that knowledge in professional and public domains so that you are better able to communicate in your future professional and personal lives. In the next chapter, you will learn about how to write documents that invoke action by learning how to use rhetorical theory effectively.
