Good technical writing asks: "What does my reader need, and what's the fastest path there?" Think of it as product-market fit for prose.
Lead with What Matters
Your reader wants the answer, not to watch you arrive at it. In sentences, paragraphs, and documents alike, put the important stuff first—then provide supporting details for those who want them.
Choose Simple and Precise Words
Use the plainest language that conveys your meaning. Reread every sentence and ask: Does this say exactly what I mean? Define jargon when you must use it.
Know Your Audience
What does your reader already understand? What do they care about? Write for the person actually reading, not an imaginary universal audience.
Cut Ruthlessly
Every unnecessary word competes with necessary ones. If a sentence doesn't improve understanding, delete it. If a word doesn't strengthen a sentence, remove it.
Provide Context First
Never introduce information your reader can't place. Before presenting data, explain why it matters. Before diving into details, establish the bigger picture.
These principles share one thread: empathy for the reader. The goal isn't to sound smart—it's to make your reader smarter, as efficiently as possible.
Further reading:
- Paul Graham, "Writing, Briefly" — An entire writing philosophy in one sentence.
- Paul Graham, "Write, Simply" - On writing using ordinary words and simple sentences.
- Paul Graham, "Write Like You Talk" — On using ordinary words and simple sentences.