Technical communication
has two meanings:
• the process of making and sharing technical
information in the workplace
• a set of applications—the documents you
write and the presentations you deliver
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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You have three roles
as a communicator:
• the writer of a document
• a member of a project team
• an information resource for others
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
2
Technical communication
affects your career:
• Companies say communication skills are
important.
• Strong communication skills make you a more
valuable employee.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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Technical communication
has six main characteristics:
• It addresses particular readers.
• It helps readers solve problems.
• It reflects the organization’s goals and culture.
• It is produced collaboratively.
• It uses design to increase readability.
• It consists of words or images or both.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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Communicators use design features
to accomplish three basic purposes:
• to make the document look attractive and
professional
• to help readers navigate the document
• to help readers understand the document
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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Images help the writer
perform five main functions:
• to make the document more interesting and
appealing
• to communicate and reinforce difficult concepts
• to communicate instructions and descriptions of
objects and processes
• to communicate large amounts of quantifiable data
• to communicate with nonnative speakers
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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An example of technical communication
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2005 <www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/sp-MiniPoster.pdf>.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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An example of technical communication
Source: Sage Software, 2009
<http://download.act.com/act2010/
docs/act_usability_and_productivit
y_whitepaper.pdf>.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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An example of technical communication
Source: Marathon
Technologies, 2010
<www.marathon1.co
m/why_marathon_vi
deo.html>.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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There are eight measures of excellence
in technical communication:
• honesty
• clarity
• accuracy
• comprehensiveness
• accessibility
• conciseness
• professional appearance
• correctness
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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You must communicate
honestly for three reasons:
• It is the right thing to do.
• If you are dishonest, readers can get hurt.
• If you are dishonest, you and your
organization could face serious legal charges.
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© 2012 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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Technical communication
must be clear for two reasons:
• Unclear technical communication can be
dangerous.
• Unclear technical communication is
expensive.
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