It is true - technical writing is not for the verbose, who flaunt colorful language and prose filled with adjectives and description. Less is more - and writing less is more challenging. I believe it was Mark Twain who once said, "Give me short notice to write a long story; but give me endless time to craft a well-thought answer."
Technical writing can be a "white paper", an article addressing a specific issue (usually technical in nature) or even a sales sheet, a MSDS (material safety data sheet) or instructions could fall into the "technical writing" category. Today, "white papers have become popular marketing tools for corporations especially on the Internet since many potential customers search for information on the Web. Corporations use white papers to sell information or new products as solutions that would service their customers needs." For more detail on "white papers" and technical writing check out this resource. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/546/01/ .
I, myself, have samples of "technical" writing, always keeping in mind the audience. Just because you may be communicating complex topics, doesn't mean your "technical piece" needs to be on white paper filled with multi-syllable words. The most important element is that you state facts simply and present the information your audience can (and wants to) learn about.
Technical writing can educate customers AND employees. Here are some examples of technical sales sheets to train ComEd Sales and RR Donnelley Marketers on various products and services.
So technical writing audiences don't always wear WHITE lab coats!
