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
© 2010 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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Technical communication is produced by
two categories of people:
• technical professionals
• technical communicators (technical writers)
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© 2010 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 an organization’s goals and culture.
• It is produced collaboratively.
• It uses design to increase readability.
• It consists of words or graphics or both.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2010 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 the reader navigate the document
• to help the reader understand the document
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2010 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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Graphics help the communicator perform
five main functions:
• make the document more interesting and appealing
• communicate and reinforce difficult concepts
• communicate instructions and descriptions of objects
and processes
• communicate large amounts of quantifiable data
• communicate with nonnative speakers
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2010 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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An example of technical communication
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
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An example of technical communication
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2010 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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An example of technical communication
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
© 2010 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
© 2010 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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There are three reasons to communicate
honestly:
• 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
© 2010 by Bedford/St. Martin's
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There are two reasons that technical
communication must be clear:
• Unclear technical communication can be
dangerous.
• Unclear technical communication is
expensive.
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