Content

• Steps
• Advice

Writing instructions is a daunting task, but it's actually easier than you think! The following steps apply to any tutorial, from simple tutorials (How To Applause) to more complex topics (How to Make Semiconductors).

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Understanding the Topic

1. 

   This is the point. This may be obvious, but knowledge is the key to writing a successful guide. For example, if you are writing about how to use the camera, you need to know that aperture and shutter speed are not just two separate functions — in essence — but if you understand the two as interacting. Together, you will be able to easily describe each function in relation to the whole.

2. 

   
   
   Talk to an expert. If your role is simply a writer and not an expert on the topic you are interested in, reach out to people who are knowledgeable in the process of writing and make sure your instruction will be reread by them. help. Their knowledge and advice are invaluable.

3. 

   
   
   Try to experience firsthand. If possible, try to experience what you're writing about, which is especially helpful because you get a chance to feel things as a user to know what they want to learn about.

4. 

   Read more about the topic. Learn how to showcase your product, and be an advocate for the product you're writing about.
   • The user guides for similar products will give you references to other authors on how to handle the topic.
     • Find similarities between authors, what is the way they describe similar functions and approaches.
     • Find outstanding differences. These differences may be unique features of the product. Your product may or may not have these functions, or you may find other ways to describe your product to increase its value. While it's your job to write instructions, showing customers the value of their purchased item is the most effective way to encourage them to continue reading the instructions.
   • Carefully study trade journals. Find out how the people using this product are interacting with them every day. If they want the product to add some functionality to solve a particular problem, and if your product is a solution, those are the highlights you need to do.
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Part 2 of 4: Outline the Guidelines

1. 

   
   
   Divided into small sections. Whether it's just a simple step-by-step guide, or an instruction manual for your 35mm digital camera, splitting it into easy-to-handle sections has several benefits:
   • You can focus on each part of the product as a whole. Your goal is to familiarize the user with the process of understanding method. How to use each function can be guided in the last section, if desired, or for the user to explore by himself.

2. 

   Follow logical sequence. For example, there is no point in describing how the camera flash works before describing how to mount lenses, mount movies, turn on the camera and adjust focus. This is extremely effective if you do not really understand the subject deeply.

3. 

   Consider the outline at the same time as the table of contents.

4. 

   Review the steps. Once you've identified the logic, review it to make sure you've covered everything.

5. 

   Gather supplies to use. The items you are describing should be prepared and ready to use immediately as outlined in the instructions. If you're making a paper box, you'll need to have paper, scissors, tape, glue, and a ruler ready. If you are writing about a camera make sure the camera is taken apart. If possible, the product you are writing should be included in the box during this step. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Getting Started Writing

1. 

   Write an introduction. The introduction guides the tone of the entire tutorial, and gives readers an overview of the type of guide they're going to read. Will this be a humorous light-hearted document or be clear and plausible. It depends on your readership. You should use text for materials that teach children how to make cartons, not in a doctor's guide to heart surgery. Define the voice from the start and be consistent throughout the guide.

2. 

   Follow each step you have written. As you go through each step, your instructions will not only be more honest and reliable, but will also keep you from missing any.
   • If for some reason it is hard for you to take the steps, think twice and ask someone who is an expert to advise you.

3. 

   Number of steps. Numbered steps make it easy for people to follow and review if they lose their way.
   • If you're writing on paper, leave some space between each step. Remember to re-number it if you add any steps.

4. 

   Add advice and warnings. As you write, you may realize that problems arise if the user does not act carefully.
   • On the contrary, if you have any knowledge that makes it easier and more enjoyable for users to use, add more.

5. 

   Practice again. Use only the instructions you have written down, following exactly what is in it. If you find missing parts of your instructions, add the necessary information. Repeat this step until you have completed the steps and are able to follow what you wrote without adding any notes.
   • Maybe ask a friend or two to use the guide first. Carefully monitor how they use the product. See where they glance quickly. See at what step they are disoriented, confused, or unable to take. Listen to them, then adjust to the appropriate instructions.

6. 

   Read the instructions again. You should not send the final copy to the editor (whether it is your agency or your spouse) as an error-filled guide. advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Layout

1. 

   Starting from the top. Once you've got all the detailed steps you need to take, go through the entire guide to find the right headings for each group.
   • Name and note location.

2. 

   Write the Table of Contents, if possible. See wikiHow layout for an example. The main page will show the titles of each section. As you go through each section, there will be subgroups and in subgroups the headings will be listed. The more detailed your guide is, the more large and small groups you will need. (Writing examples of How to Whistle aren't required, How to Carve a Flute will need a few, and How to Play the flute will take a lot!)

3. 

   Revised. Yes, you did it once. But the second time you will still be able to spot small errors or ambiguity points.
   • For a more detailed guide, you can take this opportunity to jot down all of the subtopics, and use that information to create a table of contents.

4. 

   Choose a title. advertisement

Advice

• Even if you understand something already, just write down each step. You will avoid omitting unknown user parts. Giving more information is better than skipping important steps.
• If you are going to write a very detailed instruction sheet and need to be divided into chapters, like How to play the flute, then the first step you should do is list all the chapters, like Choose a flute, Assemble and Preserve, Create Tone, Placing Method, First Works etc. Then you need to apply basic rules when writing instructions for each chapter, as each chapter itself is like a guide!
• Whenever possible, illustrate your guidance! If you cannot insert pictures, look for generic images as an example. For example, in section Layout, Step 2 In this tutorial the wikiHow outline is used to illustrate how to create a Table of Contents.
• Writing each section on a separate sheet of paper (or on a computer) will make editing easier. You can reorder if you need more information and can find the points you edited. On the computer, make a space of 3 or 4 lines (by pressing enter (newline) several times) between steps you can easily find breaks.
• If you can, ask a novice to try your guide and write down the questions they need to ask! From there, you will be able to fill in the blanks and make your document more useful.