Introduction to
Technical
Technical
Communication
Communication
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the discussion, the students will be able to:
Define technical communication.
Describe the characteristics, purposes, types of technical
documents, and writing process of technical communication.
Explain the importance of ethics in technical writing.
Why do you think clear communication is important
in our daily lives?
The nature of Technical
Communication
Technical Communication is part of the vast field of communication
The term communication is derived from the greek word
“komunikare” which translates as “to share” in English. Hence,
communication has a lot of “sharings” taking place between the
sender and receivers.
It was also derived from Latin word “communis” which means “to
make common” in English.
Individual authors and expert have their own definition of
communication.
communication is the “transfer of ideas from one to another”
Technical Communication
Technical communication is about making information simple and
easy to get.
The goal of communication is to help people do something like
finish a task or figure out a problem.
Technical communication is also used to help people make decisions
or understand things that are complicated.
Technical Communication
Technical communication is important because it helps
people understand information in an organized way, which
makes it easier for them to use the information to do what
they need to do with technical communication.
Examples of Technical Communication
User manuals
Business emails
Laboratory reports
Project proposals
Instruction guides
Memorandums (Memos)
Research reports
Infographics
Technical presentations
Nature of Technical
Communication
Technical communication is:
1. Informative
It provides useful and factual information instead of opinions or
personal feelings.
Example:
A laboratory report explains the experiment and its results.
2. Clear
The message should be simple and understandable.
Instead of saying:
"Utilize the apparatus."
Say:
"Use the equipment."
3. Concise
It uses only the necessary words.
Avoid unnecessary details that may confuse the reader.
4. Accurate
The information should be correct and based on facts.
Wrong information may cause mistakes or even accidents.
5. Audience-Centered
Technical communication considers who will read the document.
For example:
Instructions for children use simpler language.
Instructions for engineers may include technical terms.
6. Organized
Ideas are arranged in logical order so readers can easily follow them.
Classification of Technical
Communication
Informational Instructional Documents
Documents
Examples:
Examples: Step-by-step
Reports procedures
User manuals Installation guides
Handbooks Operating manuals
Classification of Technical
Communication
Persuasive Documents Correspondence
Documents
Examples:
Business proposals Examples:
Project proposals Emails
Grant proposals Memorandums
Business letters
Purposes of Technical
Communication
Technical communication serves three purposes that sometimes
overlap:
To inform: Anticipate and answer your readers’ questions.
To instruct: Enable your readers to perform tasks
To persuade: Motivate your readers.
Preparing Effective
Technical Documents.
How do I prepare the right document for this group of readers
and this this particular situation?
The four basic tasks of an effective technical communicator
are:
1. Deliver information readers can use
2. Use persuasive reasoning
3. Weigh the ethical issues
4. Practice good team work
Preparing Effective
Technical Documents.
How do I prepare the right document for this group of
readers and this this particular situation?
The four basic tasks of an effective technical communicator
are:
1. Deliver information readers can use
2. Use persuasive reasoning
3. Weigh the ethical issues
4. Practi good team work
Technical Writing vs Academic
Writing vs Creative Writing
TECHNICAL WRITING
A straightforward and objective format used to explain
complex processes or to provide instructions.
Purpose: to inform, guide or trigger specific action.
Style: consice, clear and well structured.
Audience: Specific users, consumers and professionals
needing toncomplete tasks.
CREATIVE WRITING
Prioritizes imagination, emotion and artistic expression
Purpose: to entertain, inspire or provokes thought. .
Style: highly flexible depending on author’s artistic vision
Audience: Broad and general.
ACADEMIC WRITING
Formally presents evidence-based arguments and research to
educate the community.
Purpose: Proposes theories, analyzes data or build an
existing knowledge within a community.
Style: Strictly adheres to style guides. Follows introduction-
body-conclusion flow requires strict citations.
Audience: Researchers, students, and professors within a
specific field of study.
Examples
TECHNICAL ACADEMIC CREATIVE
WRITING WRITING WRITING
Manuals Research papers Poems
Reports Essays Novels
Emails Thesis Scripts
Instructions Reflection papers Short stories
Ethics in Technical
Communication
Ethics means doing what is honest,
responsible, and professional when creating
and sharing information.
Technical writers should always
communicate truthfully because people
depend on their documents.
What should be
Tell the [Link]
Provide only accurate and verified information.
Give credit to sources.
Always cite references and acknowledge other people's work.
Respect confidentiality.
Do not share private or confidential information without permission.
Write objectively.
Avoid bias and personal opinions unless necessary.
Consider the audience.
Use respectful and inclusive language.
Revise your work.
Proofread before submitting or publishing.
What should not be
done
Do not plagiarize.
Never copy someone else's work without proper citation.
Do not spread false information.
Always verify facts before writing.
Do not exaggerate.
Avoid making false claims just to persuade readers.
Do not use offensive language.
Maintain professionalism at all times.
Do not hide important information.
Readers should receive complete and accurate information.
Writing Process
Writing does not happen all at once. It follows several steps to produce a
quality document.
Step 1: Planning (Prewriting)
Ask yourself:
What is my purpose?
Who is my audience?
What information do I need?
Gather ideas before writing.
Writing does not happen all at once. It follows several steps to produce a
quality document.
Step 2: Drafting
Write your first draft.
Don't worry about grammar yet.
Focus on getting your ideas down.
Writing does not happen all at once. It follows several steps to produce a
quality document.
Step 3: Revising
Improve the content.
Ask yourself:
Is it clear?
Is the information complete?
Is it organized?
Writing does not happen all at once. It follows several steps to produce a
quality document.
Step 4: Editing
Correcr:
Grammar
Spelling
Punctuation
Word choice
Formatting
Writing does not happen all at once. It follows several steps to produce a
quality document.
Step 5: Proofreading
Read the final document carefully
Check for small mistakes before submission
Writing does not happen all at once. It follows several steps to produce a
quality document.
Step 6: Publishing or Sharing
Submit, print, email, or present your final work.
“Effective communication begins with
understanding your audience.”
Thank
You.