Day 1 - Foundations of Technical Writing in the Life Sciences
The seminar begins with a clear definition of technical writing and its critical role within regulated environments. Participants will explore:
- Types of documents used in the life sciences
- Regulatory expectations for documentation
- The consequences of poor writing
- Characteristics of effective vs ineffective documents
Day 2 - Audience, Structure, and Information Development
The second day focuses on how writing decisions are driven by the audience and the intended use of the document. Participants will learn how to:
- Analyze audience capability and needs
- Determine appropriate level of detail and language
- Structure documents for usability and compliance
- Organize content logically and consistently
Day 3 - Working with SMEs and Writing Regulated Documents
This day focuses on the most challenging aspect of technical writing - extracting accurate information and translating it into clear documentation.Participants will learn:
- Techniques for interviewing and working with SMEs
- How to observe and document processes effectively
- Strategies for managing conflicting input
- Writing approaches for specific document types such as:
- Investigations
- Procedures and work instructions
- Regulatory submissions
Day 4 - Writing Mechanics, Simplification, and Finalization
The final day addresses the mechanics of writing and the process of producing a finalized, inspection-ready document.Topics include:
- Grammar, punctuation, and consistency rules
- Active vs passive voice
- Eliminating ambiguity and misconceptions
- Writing simplification techniques
- Reviewing, editing, and incorporating comments
- Managing document approval and timelines
Agenda
- Foundations
- Technical writing overview and definitions
- Role of documentation in life sciences
- Regulatory expectations (FDA, ISO, etc.)
- Types of technical documents
- Audience & Structure
- Audience analysis and writing alignment
- Document organization and formatting
- Consistency and style standards
- Writing for non-native audiences
- Information Development
- Working with subject matter experts
- Techniques for extracting accurate information
- Observational documentation methods
- Managing conflicting inputs
- Writing Techniques
- Grammar, spelling, punctuation
- Numbers, symbols, and formatting
- Active vs passive voice
- Eliminating ambiguity and misconceptions
- Antecedents and clarity
- Document Types
- SOPs and work instructions
- Investigations and deviations
- Regulatory submissions
- Reports and summaries
- Review & Finalization
- Editing and proofreading techniques
- Incorporating reviewer comments
- Managing review cycles
- Negotiating reviewer disagreements
- Final approval process
- Regulatory Alignment
- FDA expectations for documentation quality
- Writing for inspections and submissions
- Responding to regulatory requests
Course Provider

Charles H. Paul,


