This document compares and contrasts technical writing and proposal writing. Both involve conveying information formally and clearly, with graphics to support concepts. However, technical writing describes completed work through descriptive, linear chapters while proposal writing persuasively describes future group work through varying sections. Technical writers may work solo or lead teams on single topics, while proposal writers are part of interdependent teams addressing multiple proposal components.
6. Similarities
Requires clear understanding of document’s purpose
Gather information from other sources
Requires clear concise writing
Graphics communicate concepts
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7. Differences
Technical Writing Proposal Writing
Describes work that has Describes work that will
been completed be completed
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8. Differences
Technical Writing Proposal Writing
Describes work or task Describes a set of tasks
to be performed by an or actions performed by
individual a group
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11. Differences
Technical Writing Proposal Writing
Technical writer works Technical writer is part
solo or leads team of team assigned to
specific components
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12. Differences
Technical Writing Proposal Writing
Consistent structure Consistent format but
varying structure
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14. Putting Both in Your Basket
Information on proposal writing
Association of Proposal Management Professionals
www.apmp.org
Proposal Guys (www.theproposalguys.com)
Capture Planning (www.captureplanning.com)
References
Shipley Proposal Guide
Tom Sant
Persuasive Business Proposals
Andy Bounds
The Jelly Effect: How to Make
Your Communication Stick
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15. Conclusion
Good writing is good writing
Technical writing critical part of a good proposal
Opens career opportunities
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Apples to Oranges: The similarities and differences between Technical Writing and Proposal Writing With companies downsizing, staff are asked to wear many hats. It is not unusual for technical writers to find themselves assigned to write a proposal. Come learn about the similarities and the differences between the two forms of communication.That sounds like a good topic. I suppose one challenge will be to highlight the differences between proposal writing and other ways of communicating technical information, while still maintaining the connections. Most of the technical communicators there will probably view proposal writing as a type of technical writing, since it’s still a business-centered communication of technical information. Seems to me that there are some key, unique features of the kind of work you do. The team element and the research would be interesting to hear about. Definitely not a “lone writer” kind of a job.
Technical writing, a form of technical communication. Technical writers begin by forming a clear understanding of the purpose of the document they will create. If payment for production comes from a second party, this includes a detailed interview with the party that pays for the document's production. Technical writers then typically gather information from existing documentation and from subject matter experts. A subject matter expert (SME) is any expert on the topic that the writer is working on. Technical writers are often not SMEs themselves (unless they are writing about creating good technical documentation). Workers at many levels, and in many different fields, have a role in producing technical communications. A good technical writer needs strong language and teaching skills and must understand the many conventions of modern technical communications.Advanced technical writers often move into specialized areas such as API writing, document architecture, or information management.technical writing style and techniques are used in areas other than the ones listed in your notes on slide 3; it can be used in pretty much any industry.
A proposal: 1. Written to someone who needs to make a decision usually which involves spending or investing money (e.g. a client or customer, a committee, someone responsible for finances within company or organization, etc.) 2. Usually formal in register, but could also be semi-formal when addressed to a committee of peers 3. Writer uses language in such a way that he is persuasive, besides listing reasons and making suggestions 4. Written to someone whose decision will directly benefit the writer in some way (e.g. writer is a salesperson)or a group writer belongs to (e.g. a local amateur athletic team that needs support) 5. May not may not have headingsThe general purpose of a proposal is the identify a particular need, explain it and recommend how this need can best be met.
Tech Writing is work that pertains to a certain task to be performed by an individual in a certain manner, while Proposal writing is a set of tasks or actions performed by a group?
points to the Proposal Writing comment pertaining to varying structure?these manuals employ good technical writing techniques. Structure of a technical document: Will vary according to industry, audience, purpose, convention, and medium.
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whether you are a technical or proposal writer, strategically using active language and employing specificity in your writing (whether in procedural steps, specs, action plans, and/or historical descriptions) will produce effective documents; it's just a good connection.
