Shania Livingston

1/30/17
English 218
Professor: Justin Lewis
Whats Technical Communication?
Technical Communication is a process of managing technical information in ways
that allow people to take action.

There are keys words that explain this definition of Technical Communication better.
These words are

Process- Process means that there is a certain way to do technical

communication. There things that are set in place that help people forward
technical communication.

Manage- When dealing with a lot of information you must be able to deal with or
manage the information in a good way. Technical Communication helps with this.

Action- Taking action insinuates that the information being dealt with has a
purpose and that it will most likely be meant for an audience.

In the text book Technical Communication Strategies for Today on page 11 it

states that Technical Communication involves learning a variety of skills that will
help you manage the flow of information.

What encompasses Technical Communication?

Technical Communication encompasses several things. I will list a few below in bullet
points.

Reader Centered- When dealing with Technical Communication you must know
who will be reading your information. This will tell you how to put the information
together.

Relies on Teamwork- In any technical workplace you will have to work with
others on projects. Being a team member is crucial in this line of work.

Visual- Technical Communication is very visual. If people are able to read your
information quickly and easily then you will be more successful.

Has several dimensions- Technical Communications does not only deal with
one thing. In this it encompasses ethical legal and even political dimensions.

International and cross-cultural- Technology has made things much easier for
Technical Communication. Now that there is such great technology people all
over the world and of all cultures are able to communicate.

What are important elements?

 Shania Livingston
1/30/17
English 218
Professor: Justin Lewis
There are a couple important elements that deal with Technical Communication.

Oral communication

Written communication

These two things were found in a survey. People seem to think that these two things are
very important and would help with the work environment. Both of these forms of
communication deal are important to your career.

Think of in class-activitieswhat is the best example of

technical communication, or what is the worst example?
With reference to your examplewhy is it the best or
worst?

When thinking of in-class activities I think the best example of technical

communication would have been the first day when we went over the syllabus. The
syllabus had clear instructions on how the class was going to go and had several other
things in it that we as students need to know.

Reasons why this was the best example-

The syllabus showed clear communication

Directed for an audience
Was easy to read and visualize

When thinking of in-class activities I think the worst example of technical

communication would have been when we each had to stand up and say the five things
regarding ourselves. It was not technical communication.

Reasons why this was the worst example-

People did not remember what others said

It was not reader centered
There was not clear communication

References

Jones-Sheehan, R. (Ed.). (n.d.). Technical Communication Strategies For Tdoay (2nd ed.).