Technical Report Writing

Name: Technical Report Writing
Rating: 4.5 (3872 reviews)

An interactive course that focuses on practical skills. Taught by a leading Psychologist, University Lecturer & Author

Created byTony Buon

Last updated 8/2025

English

What you'll learn

How to write a professional technical report
Drafting, structure, language, layout, design and production
Grammar, readability and writing in plain English

Course content

7 sections • 20 lectures • 2h 18m total length

Session 1: Introduction to the course5:23
This is the introduction to the course
Session 2: An introduction to writing technical reports13:04
This is the first session of the course. It provides definitions and explains why we write reports. It also provides you with an example of poor technical writing and presents ten rules for good report writing.
A quick test of your writing skills4:17
A brief test of your existing writing skills. Download the PDF file to complete this session.
Full Course Manual0:05
This is a May 2025 Updated Full PDF Manual - it has all the notes and exercises for the whole course

Session 3: Planning your report6:01
In this video, we look at how to start planning your report. We also look at the importance of audience (your reader) and there is a practical activity using Handout 3 and your own sample report.
Session 4: Formatting and structuring a technical report7:54
In this session, we will be looking at the important things you need to do before you start writing. This included timing, key messages and selecting data and materials.
Session 5: The sections of your technical report12:06
In this section, we look at the sections needed in a "typical" technical report.
Section 2 Quiz

Session 6: The use of drafts9:01
When you complete this session you will understand the importance of drafting when writing your technical report
Session 7: Illustrations and graphics6:13
When you complete this session you will understand how to use graphics and illustrations effectively
Session 8: The final edit (Part 1)5:21
In the last session for Section Four, you will learn how to complete your final edit

Session 9: Writing in plain English6:54
When you complete this session you will understand how to write in plain English
Session 10: Jargon and final layout issues9:41
By completing this session you will learn about the use of jargon and acronyms. We will also explore design issues such as the use of fonts, and why you should not use "big words" when writing.
Session 11: Spelling, punctuation, and Grammar13:32
When you complete this session you will understand the key issues about spelling, punctuation, and grammar,
Section 4 Quiz

Requirements

none, but suitable for graduates and students

Description

Many professionals have difficulty in expressing ideas on paper which means that useful concepts may never be fully understood or valued. Effective report writing, the exchange of information, views, opinions, and decisions between people at all levels, internally and externally, make a vital contribution to organisational success.

This 17 session course aims to present a comprehensive overview of the essential elements of effective technical report writing and help delegates develop the practical skills required to write successfully, for an internal or external audience. It will teach the fundamental skills for technical report writing.

There are many downloadable resources provided including book chapters, quizzes, forms, activities, links and PowerPoint slides.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Appreciate the importance of technical writing skills necessary in a professional context

2. Understand the stages in the preparation process of technical reports

3. Demonstrate the ability to pitch technical reports at the level appropriate to the intended audience/reader

4. Identify the essential features of reports, including format, linguistic and grammatical accuracy along with the choice and application of graphics

5. Apply the above principles to the production of effective professional, technical reports

Who this course is for:

This course is suitable for anyone who writes technical reports
You could be a new graduate, a student or a professional who needs to refresh your skills
If you have struggled to prepare a professional technical report that demonstrates your professionalism, this is the course for you.

Technical Report Writing

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Writing Technical Reports: Course Introduction4 lectures • 23min

Planning and Structuring Your Report3 lectures • 26min

Drafting your report and design issues3 lectures • 21min

Final Edit Continued: Grammar, spelling, readability & writing in plain English3 lectures • 30min

Proofreading and summaries3 lectures • 20min

Presenting your final report2 lectures • 12min

Course summary and review2 lectures • 8min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: