Course Information
Advanced Technical Writing
Parking for SAO, Professional Development courses is in Garage B (1511 San Jacinto Blvd.). The Garage signage may read 1511 San Jacinto or Garage B. The elevator in Garage B is not reliable. If you are unable to walk the stairs, please contact the professionaldevelopment@sao.texas.gov for alternate parking arrangements. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.
A course coordinator will Email you a parking permit prior to the course start date. A permit must be displayed or you will be ticketed.
Course Description
This two-day course will focus on writing selected specific agency technical documents. Participants will learn how to break down writing projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
-
Strengthen writing competence by reflecting the Federal Plain Writing standards in all technical documents.
-
Analyze your audience to determine appropriate language, level of detail, and format for fellow experts as well as for general audiences.
-
Follow a structured process to define a document’s purpose, outline key points, and logically organize the content for positive outcomes.
-
Edit and proofread systematically for clarity, readability, grammar, and mechanics.
-
Improve ability to work with other writers on a project team.
-
Demonstrate effective writing skills by creating or revising a technical document.
Setting the Stage for Writing Technical Documents
-
Define Context and Course Objectives
-
Focus on Results
Foundation for Effective Writing
-
Relate Twelve Pitfalls of Professional Writing
-
Identify Requirements for Quality Documents
-
Introduce Six Characteristics of Effective Writing
-
Increase Competence through Correct Usage
Strategies for Writing Technical Documents
-
Streamline the Writing Process
-
The Writing Roadmap: A Proven Process
-
Master Various Types of HRSA Technical Documents
-
Apply Format Essentials
-
Strengthen Electronic Communication
Develop Plans for Collaborating on Technical Writing Projects
-
Introduce Pre-Writing Process
-
Design Project Plan for Success
-
Manage Document Deliverables
Instructors
Ms. Mc Carroll has invested over 20 years’ experience developing, delivering, and facilitating formal classroom courses as well as training workshops for government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions. As a seasoned professional, Jackie has successfully engaged course participants from diverse technical, socio-economical, and academic backgrounds. Her courses are highly interactive, with opportunities for participants to practice skills, share knowledge, and pose questions. As subject matter experts, participants have responsibility for the content they include in documents. With high regard for this individual expertise, Ms. Mc Carroll offers proven guidelines and encourages participants to strengthen their writing by focusing on their readers’ needs as well as the document’s purpose and overall readability.
Additional Information
TAC Rule 523.142(g) requires the CPE Sponsor to monitor individual attendance and assign the correct number of CPE credits. Participants will be asked to document their time of arrival and departure in compliance with this Rule. Additionally, attendance will be monitored throughout the day and CPE certificates will reflect actual attendance of each participant.
If you are making travel plans to come to Austin, we recommend making "refundable" air and hotel reservations or waiting until 14 days before the class to actually book your reservations. Courses are occasionally canceled or rescheduled due to low enrollment. We determine whether a course has enough participants 16 days prior to the course date. If we cancel or reschedule, we will email the participant and his or her billing contact no later than 14 days before the original class date.
The course coordinator will contact you with parking information. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.
Vending machines with Coca-Cola products and various snack items are available. There is also a refrigerator and microwave in our coffee bar area. Feel free to bring in your own drinks and food if you prefer.
You might want to bring a light sweater or jacket, as room temperatures vary.
To see answers to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit http://www.sao.texas.gov/training/faq.html.