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Introduction to Technical Communication

Introduction to Technical Communication. Week 1. Technical Communication DAHMEN. What is technical communication?. Communicating about technology Writing about technology Writing about scientific subjects Writing highly detailed information for specific audiences

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Introduction to Technical Communication

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  1. Introduction to Technical Communication Week 1 Technical Communication DAHMEN

  2. What is technical communication? • Communicating about technology • Writing about technology • Writing about scientific subjects • Writing highly detailed information for specific audiences • Writing user-centered documents • Training people to use technology

  3. What is ‘technology’? • ‘the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area’¹ • Objects used to make life ‘easier’ • Computers and machines that use them • Knowledge specific to a technical field • Often used with modifiers (medical, information, educational…technology) ¹‘Technology.’ Merriam-Webster’s Online. 2003. 30 August 2003 <http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary>

  4. Characteristics of Good Technical Communication • Accessible • Logical location and format • Appropriate to users • Complete • Usable • Efficient • Easy to use • Relevant • Addresses correct information • Correct purposes

  5. Common Types of Tech Com • Manuals • Procedures/directions • Training modules • Quick References/Job Aids • Proposals/Reports/Memos • Multi-media demonstrations • ‘Pushed’ information

  6. Common Media used in Tech Com • Paper/print • Web pages • Graphics • Sound • Databases • Embedded help • Oral presentations/training • ‘Hands on’ or self-guided training

  7. Who are Technical Communicators? • Writers • Editors • Web Designers • Graphic artists • Researchers • Developers • Informational • Instructional • Project Managers

  8. Where do Technical Communicators work? • Engineering firms • Software corporations • Training and education • Universities • Law firms • Consultants • Government divisions • Development and Communication

  9. How do they work? • Team oriented • Between engineers/subject experts and public • Between technical experts and managers • With writers, editors, usability specialists, artists, publishers, lawyers, experts… • Under tight deadlines • Emphasis on cost benefits

  10. Additional Aspects of Tech Comm • Societal dimensions • Risk management • Ethical dimensions • Business models

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