TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
WHAT IS TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION?
Technical Communication
- is a wide-ranging discipline and refers to
any form of communication
 about technical or specialized topics,
 that provides instructions on how to do
something and/or
 is communication through technology
e.g. websites or social media.
- is the process of conveying information
about technical or complex subjects to an
audience in a clear, concise and
understandable manner.
Example of technical communication:
 user manuals
 technical reports
 scientific papers
 engineering specifications
 software documentation
 business proposals
WHAT DOES TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATION INVOLVE?
There are several key elements of technical
communication which make it distinct:
1. Clarity and Conciseness
- technical communication aims to make
complex information clear and easily
understandable for the target audience. This
involves using straightforward language,
avoiding unnecessary jargon, and
organizing information logically to convey
information efficiently.
2. Audience Analysis
- understanding the needs, knowledge level,
and expectations of the audience is crucial.
Tailoring the content to the audience helps
ensure that the information is relevant.
3. Purpose
- Technical communication serves various
purposes, such as informing, instructing,
persuading, or documenting. The purpose
guides the structure and content of the
communication.
4. Document Design
- Effective technical communication often
involves thoughtful document design. This
includes the use of headings, lists, graphics,
and other visual elements to enhance
comprehension and make the information
more accessible.
5. Medium Selection
- Technical communication can take various
forms, including written documents,
presentations, videos, and online content.
Choosing the appropriate medium for the
message and audience is crucial.
6. Revision and Editing
- Technical documents often undergo multiple
rounds of revision and editing to refine the
content, correct errors, and improve clarity.
This ensures that the final document meets
high standards of quality.
WHAT DOES A TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATOR DO?
A technical communicator, also known as a
technical writer, is a professional who specializes in
creating and delivering technical information in a
clear and coherent manner. They have an end user
focus as they aim to bridge the gap between
technical experts and the end user, taking into
account that end users may vary between having
very little (or no) technical knowledge to those who
may be regarded as ‘experts’ in the field.
The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is
a professional association dedicated to the
advancement of the field of technical
communication. Established 70 years ago, they
state ‘Technical communicators research and
create information about technical processes or
products directed to a targeted audience through
various forms of media. What all technical
communicators have in common is a user-centered
approach to providing the right information, in the
right way, at the right time to make someone’s life
easier and more productive.
A technical communicator’s work contributes to the
success of products, services, and processes by
ensuring that users can access accurate and userfriendly information. For example, well-written and
designed software instructions can help the end
user be more successful on their own. This in turn
increases the likelihood of the product being
accepted in the marketplace and reduces support
costs for the manufacturing organization.
WHAT INDUSTRY DOES A TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATOR WORK IN?
Technical communicators can be found working in a
wide range of industries, under many different job titles.
Some of the common industries where they are
employed include:
1. Information Technology (IT)
- Creating documentation for software
applications, including user manuals, API
documentation, technical specifications, and
troubleshooting guides.
2. Engineering
- Producing documentation for product designs,
manufacturing processes, and equipment
specifications.
3. Telecommunications
- Creating documentation for network
configurations, hardware installations, and user
guides for communication devices.
4. Healthcare
- Producing documentation for medical
equipment, software applications, and user
guides for healthcare professionals and patients.
5. Aerospace and Automotive
- Developing documentation related to design,
maintenance procedures, repair procedures and
safety protocols.
6. Energy
- Producing documentation for power generation
processes, safety protocols, and equipment
specifications.
7. Manufacturing
- Creating documentation for production
processes, quality control procedures, and
equipment operation.
8. Finance and Banking
- Creating documentation for financial software,
risk management procedures, and compliance
guidelines.
9. Government
- Producing documentation for public information,
policy manuals, and technical specifications for
government projects.
10. Education
- Developing instructional materials, online
courses, and documentation for educational
software.
11. Consulting
- Providing expertise to various industries on a
project basis.
The specific responsibilities of a technical communicator
can vary based on the industry and the nature of the
work. However, the core skills of translating complex
technical information into clear, accessible content are
applicable across all sectors.
HOW DO I BECOME A TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATOR?
1. Educational Foundation
- Starting with a solid educational foundation is
key. Typically, a degree in the sciences (BSc)
lays the foundation.
2. Developing Key Skills
- developing skills like writing, editing, designing
and project management will help.
3. Professional publications
- reading publications
like Intercomm and TechComm magazines
ensures you are up-to-date on industry news.
4. Certification
- obtaining professional certification in technical
communication can enhance your credibility
when applying for technical communication
roles.
5. Join the Society for Technical Communication
- Becoming a member of the Society for Technical
Communication (STC) can help you by providing
access to useful resources, webinars and a
community of technical communication
professionals.