Communication, Your Career, and This Book Paul V. Anderson’s Technical Communication, 8 th ed.

Writing and Technology zCollege graduates typically spend one day a week – writing zTechnology is a tool to record communication zTechnology, should not be confused with the term, technical: yTechnology is integral to its production, zTechnical writing doesn’t have to be about technology or other scientific subjects. zWhen combined with the word communications (or writing), technical refers to communication in a specialized field of knowledge that is limited to experts or specialists. Thus, technical communications or writing refers to “writing in, of, or for a specialized field of knowledge.” zTechnical writing is reader-centered

Writing at Work.... zServes practical purposes. zAddresses complex audiences. zAddresses international and multicultural audiences. zUses distinctive types of communication. zEmploys graphics and visual design to increase effectiveness. zRequires collaboration. zIs shaped by social and political factors. zIs shaped by organizational conventions and culture. zMeets deadlines. zIs produced with advanced computer technology. zIs sensitive to legal and ethical issues.

Characteristics of Technical Writing zTechnical writing is characterized not only by its specialized field of knowledge but also by its language, appearance, and structure zTechnical communications rely on both verbal and visual components. yOften communicated through graphics and page design even communications that rely heavily on verbal components often do so with the help of visual cues. zTechnical communication is based on the needs of a specific audience zThe audience in technical writing, is complex and diverse. zA technical writer, for example, might need to prepare a report that will be read and used by employees at three different levels, who will not only read the document differently but also read it for different reasons. The writer, must find a way to accommodate the different styles of and purposes for reading. zThe culture of the organization or company for which the document is being prepared as well as the gender and ethnicity of the writers and readers further complicates the writer-audience relationship

Technical Communications and Business Communications zDon’t confuse or combine technical and business communications. zTechnical communications include letters and memos, instructions, reports, proposals, oral presentations, and deal with communications in the context of a specialized field of knowledge, zBusiness writing includes minutes, agendas, vision and mission statements, job descriptions, performance reviews, and business plans

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