Humanizing Technical Copywriting: 5 Tips to Bring Dry Material to Life

Technical copywriting is not for the faint of heart. Writing about topics like fiber optic networking, human factors engineering, industrial design, or cybersecurity is no walk in the park. If you've been in the trenches—translating jargon-heavy material into something digestible and compelling—you know the grind. You’re not just battling dense content; you’re wrestling with the responsibility of making it relatable, interesting, and, dare I say, human.

In my career, I’ve tackled it all: explaining how underwater fiber optic cables keep the world connected, making industrial design feel like an art form, and diving into the nuance of cybersecurity without scaring people into deleting their email accounts. 

If there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no matter how technical the topic, the key to effective copywriting is connecting with your reader on a human level.

So, how do you humanize the technical? Here are five tried-and-true tips to transform your writing:

5 Technical Copywriting Tips

1. Start With Empathy, Not Specs

Most technical writing dives straight into the specs: gigahertz, latency, and compliance standards. But let’s face it: unless you’re writing for a very niche audience of engineers, most readers’ eyes glaze over the second they hit a wall of acronyms. 

Instead, start with the why. Why does this product or service matter to them?

For instance, when I wrote about fiber optic networking, I didn’t just explain the intricacies of data transmission—I painted a picture of what that speed enables: instant video calls with loved ones, seamless collaboration for remote teams, or binge-watching your favorite series without the dreaded buffering circle. Empathy bridges the gap between dry specs and real-life benefits. 

Show your audience you understand their pain points before you try to solve them.

2. Use Analogies to Demystify the Complex

Technical topics are often intimidating simply because they’re unfamiliar. Analogies break down complexity into something people already understand. Think of it as translating one language into the reader’s native language.

When I worked on human factors engineering copy, I described it as "designing products that fit people, not the other way around." I compared bad ergonomic design to wearing shoes two sizes too small—a visceral analogy that instantly made the concept relatable. 

Analogies turn abstract ideas into vivid, memorable images that stick.

3. Talk Like a Human, Not a Robot

It’s easy to fall into the trap of overly formal language when dealing with technical content. But remember: your audience is human, not a string of binary code. Write how you’d talk to a colleague over coffee, not how you’d present at a board meeting.

Take cybersecurity, for example. Instead of saying, “Implementing robust endpoint detection and response systems mitigates risk,” try, “This tool stops hackers in their tracks before they can mess with your data.” The latter isn’t just clearer—it’s more engaging. 

Human language builds trust and keeps readers engaged.

4. Spotlight Real People, Not Just Products

Technical content often focuses on "what" and "how," but the "who" is just as important. 

Incorporate stories of the people behind the technology or the users who benefit from it. Case studies, testimonials, and success stories are goldmines for humanizing your copy.

When writing about industrial design, I highlighted the designers themselves: their creative process, the challenges they overcame, and the moments of inspiration that led to innovative solutions. Readers don’t just want to know how something works; they want to know the story behind it. 

Show them the faces and voices that make the tech come alive.

5. Balance the Forest and the Trees

One of the biggest challenges in technical copywriting is balancing the big picture with the details. Zoom out too much, and you’ll lose credibility. Zoom in too much, and you’ll lose your audience. The trick is knowing when to shift focus.

For example, when I worked on cybersecurity copy, I started with the big-picture stakes: "Every second, 925 cyberattacks happen worldwide." Then, I zoomed into a specific feature of the product that combats this: "Our encryption protocols scramble your data so tightly, even supercomputers can’t crack it." 

This push-and-pull keeps the reader anchored while showcasing the tech’s value.

Why Humanizing Matters

Let’s get real: technical content that reads like a textbook doesn’t sell. 

People buy from brands that speak their language, understand their needs, and solve their problems. Whether you’re writing about networking, engineering, design, or security, the same principle applies: human connection drives engagement.

Humanizing technical copywriting is about meeting your audience where they are. By starting with empathy, simplifying the complex, and infusing your copy with personality, you can take even the driest topics and make them resonate.

Because at the end of the day, even in a world of fiber optics and firewalls, people still crave connection. And as technical copywriters, it’s our job to deliver it.