Technical descriptions must be objective and precise.

Objectivity Wins: Why Technical Descriptions Should Be Objective and Precise

Let me set the scene. You’re assembling a product guide or a user manual, and you stumble across a description that sounds more like a mood board than a specification. It mentions “high quality feel,” “stunning design,” and a vibe that’s hard to quantify. The difference between that kind of writing and a truly useful technical description isn’t small. In the end, the true statement about technical descriptions is simple: they must be objective and precise.

If you’ve ever tried to use a description that mixes opinion with fact, you know the struggle. Ambiguity sneaks in. A reader wonders which version of a product you mean, or whether the “standard components” you mention actually exist in the real world. That’s not just annoying—it can lead to mistakes, safety issues, or misbuilt parts. So let’s unpack why objectivity and precision aren’t optional frills; they’re the core of effective technical communication.

What exactly do we mean by “objective” and “precise”?

• Objective means information is based on observable facts, measurements, and established standards rather than personal opinions or feelings. It’s about what can be verified by others, not what you hope or assume.

• Precise means language that leaves little room for interpretation. It uses specific numbers, units, tolerances, materials, and methods to describe a thing, operation, or process.

Together, objectivity and precision give readers a shared frame of reference. Readers don’t have to guess what you meant; they can repeat your description, compare it with other sources, and perform the same actions with the same expected results.

Why this matters in real life

• Reproducibility: If someone else follows your description, they should get the same outcome. In engineering, manufacturing, or software tools, that consistency is a safety net.

• Safety and compliance: Vague language can hide risk. Precise details help ensure instructions are followed correctly and standards are met.

• Efficiency: Clear descriptions save time. People don’t need to ask “What exactly is this?” or “What units are we using?” They just read and do.

• Trust and credibility: When a document reads like a field guide rather than a pep talk, it signals reliability. People tend to rely on it more.

How to write objective and precise technical descriptions in practice

Here’s a practical way to approach a technical description so it stays trustworthy without becoming dull or sterile.

1. Anchor descriptions in observable characteristics

Describe what can be seen, touched, measured, or tested. For a component, this means size, shape, mass, materials, surface finish, color, and tolerances. For a process, spell out steps, sequence, and duration.

• Bad example: “The part looks sturdy and reliable.”

• Good example: “The part is 50 mm long, 20 mm wide, and 15 mm tall. It weighs 120 g. It’s made from aluminum 6061 with a matte finish. Tolerances are ±0.05 mm on all linear dimensions.”

2. Use numbers, units, and standards

Quantify whenever possible. Include units (mm, kg, seconds, N, °C) and reference standards or ratings. If you cite a tolerance or a performance limit, specify the exact value.

• Example: “Operating temperature range: -20 to 80 °C. Maximum load: 150 N. Connector: M6 screw, compatible with stainless steel hardware.”

3. Be explicit about function and usage

Describe what the item does, not what you feel about it. If there are constraints, name them clearly.

• Instead of “easy to install,” write “installation requires alignment within 0.2 mm and torque of 4.5–5.0 N·m.”

4. Choose terminology carefully and be consistent

Define key terms early and stick with the same terms throughout. Inconsistent vocabulary invites misinterpretation.

• If you call a component a “plunger” in one place and a “shaft” in another, readers may mix up procedures.

5. Favor the active voice for actions, passive voice for descriptions when it serves clarity

Active voice can be lively and precise; passive voice often helps emphasize the result or the standard rather than the doer.

• Active: “Tighten the M4 screw to 2.5 N·m.”

• Passive: “The screw is tightened to 2.5 N·m.”

6. Use visuals to support, not replace, the words

Diagrams, exploded views, and sketches can align with the written description and cut down on long, repetitive text. A good diagram reduces ambiguity and helps readers digest measurements quickly.

7. Anticipate what readers need next

Organize information so someone can locate what they need fast: product specs, assembly steps, safety notes, maintenance tips. A logical flow reduces cognitive load and keeps the text accessible.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Mixing opinion with fact: Words like “great,” “beautiful,” or “high quality” don’t tell anyone what to do or how to evaluate the item. Replace them with measurable attributes.

• Vague adjectives: “adequate,” “reasonable,” or “typical” can mean different things to different people. If you must use a qualitative label, back it with a criterion (e.g., “adequate for loads up to X kg”).

• Inconsistent units or formats: If you start with metric units, stay with them. A sudden switch to inches can slow readers and cause errors.

• Overloading with jargon without explanation: Some terminology is essential, but pair it with quick definitions or a glossary, especially for readers who aren’t specialists.

A quick example you can relate to

Imagine you’re writing a short description for a small servo motor used in a hobby robotics kit.

• Vague description (not ideal): “This motor is reliable and powerful, with a good range of motion.”

• Objective and precise description (better): “Brushless DC servo motor, 12 V nominal, stall torque 0.25 N·m, no-load speed 6000 RPM. Shaft diameter 6 mm, length 20 mm. Weight 80 g. Operating temperature -20 °C to 70 °C. Connector: 3-pin JST-SR. Included: mounting screws M3 x 6 mm. Warranty: 12 months.”

That second version isn’t flashy, but it gives a reader exactly what they need to decide if the motor fits their project and how to integrate it.

The value of technical descriptions in documentation

Technical descriptions aren’t about clever prose or selling vibes. They’re about enabling action: readers should know what to do with a product, how to assemble it, or what’s required to keep it running. When descriptions are objective and precise, teams can:

• Build consistent manuals across products.

• Train people quickly because the steps are unambiguous.

• Verify designs against specs during reviews or audits.

• Reduce calls to support because users can rely on the details provided.

That last point is no small thing. Your document becomes a dependable reference—a kind of bridge between intention and outcome. When the bridge is sturdy, people walk across without hesitation.

A few tips that stick when you’re writing

• Start with a clear spec sheet: List key dimensions, materials, tolerances, and performance limits up front. Then expand with context in the body text.

• Use parallel structure: If you describe one attribute in a sentence, describe the rest in the same format. It’s easier to scan and compare.

• Define terms: If you use a term that could be unfamiliar to some readers, add a short definition the first time you introduce it.

• Keep revisions tight: After drafting, read aloud and check whether every sentence adds value. Cut anything that doesn’t.

• Leverage existing standards: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use established style guides for consistency in terminology, units, and formatting.

When visuals and text play nicely together

A diagram can answer questions your words can’t answer quickly. For instance, a quick exploded view paired with a parts list clarifies assembly steps, which is priceless when a reader needs to assemble a device without guessing. But keep this in mind: visuals should complement, not replace, the description. Each diagram should have a caption that highlights what the reader is meant to notice.

Explaining the difference to a broader audience

Not every reader is a technician. Some might be students, technicians-in-training, or curious end users. A well-crafted technical description meets them where they are: it uses plain language for the unfamiliar, but it doesn’t sacrifice accuracy for ease. It respects the reader’s intelligence and provides just enough context to perform a task safely and correctly.

A small detour that still lands back safely

You may have noticed I’ve layered in some mild rhetorical questions and a few casual phrases. That’s intentional. A touch of conversational tone helps bridge the gap between strict technical content and real-world comprehension. It keeps the text human without compromising precision. The trick is to insert that warmth sparingly, so it never shadows the core facts.

Closing thought: objectivity as the baseline, precision as the daily practice

The bottom line is straightforward: technical descriptions work best when they are objective and precise. This isn’t about a dry, sterile voice; it’s about clarity you can trust. When readers encounter measurements that are unambiguous, terms that are used consistently, and data that’s anchored to standards, they know what to do next. They can move from reading to action with confidence.

If you’re building a set of documents, start with the numbers, then layer in the where, how, and why. Let the visuals reinforce the message, not overshadow it. And whenever you find yourself tempted to soften a sentence with a vague flourish, pause. Replace it with a concrete detail. Your readers will thank you for it.

A quick resource nudge, for anyone who wants to explore further

• Style and clarity guides from established publishers offer practical rules on terminology, conventions, and document structure.

• Standard references on measurement, units, and technical terminology can help you align with common industry expectations.

• Real-world manuals and product specifications you encounter in daily work are great practice for spotting where objectivity and precision shine—or fall short.

In the end, a well-crafted technical description is a reliable map. It points readers to the right actions, reduces ambiguity, and makes complex systems feel approachable. That’s the power of being objective and precise—and it’s a standard worth aiming for in every document you create. If you keep that as your North Star, you’ll produce content that’s not only correct but genuinely useful, day in and day out.