JARED V.

GUNTING

CRITIQUE PAPER

The article for critique entitled “The New Roles in Technical Communication” by
Shampa Bhattacharyya presents new ideas in terms of new roles that are immerging
and those that are yet to be discovered concerning technical communication. The article
also provides inputs on the future of technical communication and how it applies to
more fields of discipline. The clear and simple representation of these new roles and
responsibilities with practical and in the now examples makes this article very effective
in conveying the points addressed.
The article reaffirms that there are indeed changes happening in the roles that
technical communicators play in the industry because of the range of titles that they now
hold. Since the public is more involved in science and technology new adaptations are
needed to convey information to this kind of audience. As more and more are realizing
the importance of information management, a more effective information product
development is necessary. These information products vary from users to users and a
direct, simple, dynamic, interactive and usable product are to be provided to
accommodate these demands. One practical example of the change in the role of
technical communicators are in the responsibility they play in the software development
life cycle (SDLC), they now have to be part of every step of the SDLC and not just
simply write and edit product documents and deliver it. A technical communicator is now
at the center of an organization’s knowledge and can be knowledge managers. As
knowledge managers, they mediate between product and organization, which is in itself
a new role and responsibility. Another influence that a technical communicator has is
the ability to impact the business of an organization itself as a business communicator.
The article then provided some list of the new roles and responsibilities that
technical communicators now have by citing actual job titles and their job descriptions
and skills requirements. With these new roles and jobs, there is an expectation for a
higher level of expertise for a technical communicator to meet these opportunities. The
future calls for technical communicators who are aware of the technology all-round and
not just writing for the technology. They need not only to know technology but to
improve their skills in writing and editing, comprehend the bigger picture, be up to date
with the new trends in information technology, and be asking the “why” question to
oneself.
Lastly, the articles emphasize the core competencies of technical communicators
and one of which is writing. Amid the changes and development in the realm of
technical communication one should hold firm to these core competencies and
fundamental knowledge acquired.
 The article was very clear in the presentation of the argument. As someone who
is not very familiar with the topic, it was easy to understand as the writer clearly, from
the beginning of the article, provided with enough information as to what the article will
be about and in this way expectations were already set. It is commended that there are
brief definitions of words incorporated in the article to make it easy to understand for all.
The author seems to be writing and focusing as audiences the technical writers only,
however, this article also caters to the information of those in other professions.
Some sub-topics are in question form making it more interesting to the readers in
a way that they will be now more interested in reading comprehensively to look for the
answers as they read. The divisions of the whole article in sub-topics were very
effective. It is sometimes tiring to be reading a whole paper straight on, it is helpful to
sometimes break it up in pieces to also separate different ideas and content. The
citation of the other writers and authors in the article makes it more credible. The
author’s idea supported by others with the same idea quoted immediately creates a
concrete viewpoint to the end-reader.
The use of tables and bullet points in the presentation of information was very
useful and convenient. It makes it easier to understand and more interesting for the
readers. The total presentation as to the writing of this article is not monotonous.
One other very effective method presentation used by the author is the use of
examples. The real-life examples make this article relevant and applicable. Through the
use of actual industry-related examples provides more appeal to the readers and make
this more relatable. The author has exerted a lot of effort in the writing of this article and
that it is not just conceived through personal opinions or idea but it is backed up with
research and study. In addition to the fact, the author provided readers with her
personal experiences.
Through the reading of the article, the author stayed true to the objective of the
article. Every point relating to the article was discussed as mentioned in the very first
part of the article. However, about the future of technical communication, it creates too
many questions for the readers. True, that there is a bright and exciting future in the
field of technical communication as also was discussed in the article, at least one
definite answer by example for this would greatly give assurance and more idea to the
readers of what is the future for technical writers. But still, on the positive note, this
though creates some interest and curiosity in the reader.
As a reader who is an engineer by profession, I find this article very relevant in
the field of engineering. Thinking back in the history of engineering, there was not any
distinction between other engineering disciplines, but now there are a lot of branches of
engineering. Therefore, engineering is also a developing profession much like technical
communication. As such, new skills and knowledge are needed in this field of
specialization. In civil engineering, I have experienced the amount of technical writing
used in this profession. And so I think, that more engineers should be aware of the new
roles that are emerging from technical communication because some of these roles are
needed in the industry and the fulfillment of their jobs.
The academe provides the fundamental knowledge needed by every graduate
students and/or professionals. On the other hand, the industry work provides real-world
knowledge and academe knowledge application that will give valuable experience. The
academe and the industry then work together to equip graduate students,
professionals/practitioners/professors, and researchers with sufficient information and
knowledge to identify what new roles are needed to improve one’s organization. These
two provide comparison and contrast for better judgment and identification of new
responsibilities in any industry or field of specialization.