1. INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Getting Started:
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical

2. You can look at technical communication in two ways
Second:
a set of applications — the documents you write and the presentations you deliver
First:
the process of making and sharing technical information in the workplace 2

3. Technical Communication is the process of
finding, using and sharing information.
A professional is a person who communicates with others about a technical subject.
Professionals create, design, and transmit technical information so that people can understand it easily and use it safely, effectively, and efficiently.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical communication

4. The focus of this class is
The Process of technical communication:
Finding information and developing ideas on your own and
with others
The Applications of technical communication: - reports, blogs, memos
The Techniques that skilled communicators use:
Analyze audience and purpose
Create and find the best information on the subject
Arrange information skillfully to meet the audience needs and preferences
Deliver information effectively using the most appropriate applications
The focus of this class is to help you improve your skills in the
The focus of this class is to help you
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication

5. You have three roles as a communicator: the writer of a document
a member of a project team
an information resource for others 5

6. Characteristics of Technical Communication
It addresses particular readers.
Create a reader profile
It helps readers solve problems.
help readers learn something or carry out a task
It reflects the organization’s goals and culture.
help secure funding and reach new clients 6

7. It is produced collaboratively.
Teams create and produce more-complicated documents because
No one person has all the information, skills, or time to create large
Documents.
It uses design to increase readability.
Uses design features –typography, spacing, color to
make the document look attractive and professional
Help the reader navigate the document
Help the reader understand the document
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication

8. It consists of words or images or both.mak
Make the document more interesting and appealing to readers
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

9. An example of technical communication
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2005 <
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 9

10. An example of technical communication
Source: Marathon Technologies, 2010 <
.html>.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 10

11. Measures of Excellence in technical communication:
Honesty:
It’s the right thing to do.
If you are dishonest, readers can get hurt.
If you are dishonest, you and your organization can
face serious legal charges.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 11

12. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
Clarity
Your goal is to convey a single meaning the reader can understand easily.
Unclear technical communication can be dangerous and expensive!
Accuracy
Get your facts straight!
Comprehensiveness
Provide all the information your readers need to follow the discussion and carry out any required tasks.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 12

13. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
Accessibility
Most technical documents are made up of small, independent sections.
Your job is to make its various parts accessible.
Conciseness
Eliminate unnecessary phrases, choose shorter words, and use
economical grammatical forms. Your job is to figure out how to convey a lot of information economically.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 13

14. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
Professional appearance
If the document looks neat and professional, readers will form a positive impression of it and of you.
Your document should adhere to the format standards of your organization and professional field.
Correctness
A correct document is one that adheres to the conventions of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 14

15. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
FOCUS ON THE PROCESS
Planning:
Analyze your audience
Analyze your purpose
Generate ideas about your subject
Research additional information
Organize and outline your document
Select an application, a design, and a delivery method
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 15

16. Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication
Drafting:
Draft effectively
Use templates – carefully!
Use styles
Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication 16

17. Revising: Editing: Proofreading:
Look at your draft to see if it works.
Focus on:
Has your understanding of the audience changed?
Has your understanding of the purpose changed?
Has your understanding of your subject changed?
Editing:
Check draft for grammar, punctuation, style, usage, diction, mechanics
Proofreading:
Make sure you typed what you meant to type