What is Technical CommunicationThe process of transmitting facts and

information to a defined audience for a specific purpose.

Taking complicated subject matter and transforming it into easy to understand information for the reader.

Technical writers present information in science, electronics or other technical areas backed up by data and facts.

What do Tech Writers create?User manualsSystem manualsStep-by-step

proceduresOn-line helpTraining manualsQuick-reference

guidesHow-to video

scripts

Factors to Consider in Technical CommunicationAudience

Purpose

Format

Style

Audience

Different backgrounds.

Different levels of understanding.

Different information needs.

PurposeInform.

Explain.

Describe.

Persuade.

Request for Action.

FormatReports or documents

Lab reports, proposals, etc.

Record – keeping forms Expense sheets, troubleshooting logs).

InstructionsUser guides, Online help, Training Manuals.

Presentations

StyleJargon.

Structure and Format.

Sentences that get straight to the point.

Functional, exact and clear words.

Short paragraphs with each paragraph focused

on one idea.

Visible organization.

Types of AudienceTechnical Audience.

Semi-Technical Audience.

Nontechnical Audience.

Understanding Business Communication

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages.

IncreasedProductivit

y

SatisfiedStakeholder

sEnhancedImage

Stronger

Decision

Making

SteadierWorkflow

Quicker

Problem

Solving

Promote

Products

StrongerBusiness

RelationshipsBENEFITS

OfEFFECTIVE

COMMUNICATION

Types of CommunicationInternal Communication

Formal Communication Network Upward Flow Downward Flow Horizontal Flow

Informal Communication Network Grapevine

External CommunicationFormal Outside CommunicationInformal Outside Communication

The Communication ProcessPhase 1:Sender has an idea

Phase 2:Sender encodes

idea

Phase 3:Sender

transmits message

Phase 6:Receiver

sendsfeedback

Phase 5:Receiver decodes message

Phase 4:Receiver

gets message

CHANNEL

ANDMEDIU

M

Communication Barriers

Perceptual DifferencesRestrictive EnvironmentsDistractionsDeception

Overcoming Communication Barriers

Adopt an Audience Centered Approach.Foster an Open Communication Climate.Create Lean, Efficient Messages.Commit to Ethical Communication.

Communicating Across CulturesIntercultural Communication

The process of sending and receiving messages between people from different cultural backgrounds.

Market GlobalizationThe increasing tendency of the world to act as

one market.The Multicultural Workforce

Cultural Diversity

Develop Effective Intercultural SkillsImprove written skills

Use plain English.Avoid slang and jargon.Be brief.Use short paragraphs.Improve oral communication skills

Speak clearly.Look for feedback.Rephrase where necessary.Adapt.