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 © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 1 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 © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 2 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 © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 3 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 © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 4 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 © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 5 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 © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 6 An example of technical communication Source: Marathon Technologies, 2010 <www.marathon1.com/ why_marathon_video .html>. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 7 There are eight measures of excellence in technical communication: • honesty • clarity • accuracy • comprehensiveness • accessibility • conciseness • professional appearance • correctness Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 8 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. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 9 Technical communication must be clear for two reasons: • Unclear technical communication can be dangerous. • Unclear technical communication is expensive. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 10