Technical Communication-

Technical communication is the process of making and sharing ideas and information in the workplace. The Society of Technical Communications (STC) defines technical communication as a broad field that includes any form of communication that is about technical or specialized topics, uses technology such as web pages or help files, or provides instruction about how to do something.

Specifically, technical writing involves communicating complex information to a specific audience who will use it to accomplish some goal or task in a manner that is accurate, useful, and clear. Whether you write an email to your professor or supervisor, develop a presentation or report, design a sales flyer, or create a webpage, you are a technical communicator. The occupation of technical communicator stemmed from the need for technology-based documentation for military and manufacturing industries. As technology grew, and organizations became more global, the relevance of and need for technical communication emerged. In short, we can say that:

Technical communication may be defined as the transmission and reception of facts, figures, ideas, and all sorts of scientific and technical information by professionals in various fields such as engineering, medicine, science, research, education, space, etc.

“Technical writing is the practical writing that people do as part of their jobs”, writes Pauley and Riordan.

Requisites of technical communication:

1). Proficiency in Subject: The command of the subject is the backbone of effective technical Communication.

2). Proficiency in Language: Proficiency in language is a must. Language error in technical writing is never entertained.

3). Proficiency in Structuring: To synchronize thoughts and information in a logical order and to ensure coherence is the main intention of technical communication.

Characteristics/Features of Technical Communication:

● Plain language and Relevant Content: The purpose of technical communication is to inform, Instruct, or persuade a reader. Thus, the language needs to be plain, straightforward forward with easily understandable terminology. A good technical document doesn’t encourage unusual or unreasonable content and loquacious phrases. Unnecessary words or content have to be avoided.

● Specific Format: Technical document enables the reader to assimilate information at a glance. Technical documents could be in the format of various letters, reports, technical, manuals, memorandums, emails, fax, or any presentation. For instance: Various journals and government documents require specified:

➢ Font

➢ Line and paragraph spacing

➢ Margins

➢ Number of words

➢ Figures and graphics

➢ Division of section, etc.

 

● Analysing audience: Technical and workplace documents address a specific audience. In technical communication, the analysis of the audience is a must. The communicator must keep in mind whether the audience is Technical (Engineers, Scientists, Doctors, etc), Semi-Technical (Staff of admin, clerk, secretary, etc), or Non-Technical (General public with a combination of technical, semi-technical, non-technical, customers, clients, patients, etc). The document must be designed in such a way as to meet the needs of its specific readers in terms of subject matter, vocabulary, level details, and writing style.

● Rhetorical, persuasive, purposeful, and problem-oriented: Technical communication is all about helping the reader or user of a document solve a problem or compel others to act.

● Professional: Technical communication reflects the values, goals, and culture of the organization and as such, creates and maintains the public image of the organization.

● Research and technology-oriented: Workplace demands often technical and workplace writing to be created in collaboration with others through a network of experts and designers.  This teamwork depends on sound research practices to ensure that the information provided is correct, accurate, and complete.

● Ethical: Technical communication is ethical. All workplace writers have ethical obligations, many of which are closely linked to legal obligations that include liability laws, copyright laws, contract laws, and trademark laws.

● Perceptible Aids or Visuals Aids: Perceptible aids enhance the effectiveness of the technical presentation. It said that a picture is worth a thousand words. People learn and retain information better that is presented to them visually than that which is provided verbally.

● Accessible: A foundational exigent for technical communication practices is to create access to information and instruction for all users. We use our document design expertise such as word choice and organization as well as our knowledge of software tools to develop avenues that make information easier to understand and use. Technical communicators are uniquely positioned to use their tools and expertise to continue to develop inclusive environments.

● Specific style: Technical documents have a set style based on a specific format that straight away reaches the purpose of writing. Paragraphs are short, focusing on only one idea, and clearly demarcated with headings and subheadings, tables, and examples. The intention of technical communication or writing is to inform rather than to entertain its style. Personal pronouns should not be used. For instance: “I/We took measurements.” Rather than using this statement, we should write “Measurements were taken”.

Purpose of Technical Communication

• To inform the worker and officials about what they are supposed to do.

• To collect some information vital to making a decision.

• To make inquiries, fix responsibilities, demand explanation, and enforce discipline.

• To advise or to seek advice.

• To appreciate a work or to express disapproval.