TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Technical communication is a central factor in the emerging knowledge society, where technocrats and
professionals in different areas face new communication challenges. Technical communication is the
transmission of scientific and technical information from one individual or group to another. This exchange of
professional information may include simple definitions of tools, complex descriptions of machines and
processes, or sophisticated explanation and interpretation of scientific principles. The three requirements of
effective technical communication are:
Subject competence – sender’s subject competence that is his/her professional knowledge,
experiences, and abilities. Possession of appropriate knowledge of a particular technical subject-matter
as well as the possession of highly sophisticated technical or professional skills.
Linguistic competence – possession of appropriate language skills and the ability to present scientific
facts or information clearly and objectively.
Organizational competence- ability to organize technical information in a logical and structured way.
Ability to sequence thoughts in a sentence, organize a paragraph according to the needs of the reader
and the topic, use appropriate logical ordering, and provide thematic coherence to expression.
Forms of Technical Communication
GENERAL
ORAL
Normal communication
Provides immediate feedback EXTERNAL done in everyday life
Promotes better understanding
Describing areas of expertise TECHNICAL
to people belonging to other
organisations It is the process of
WRITTEN
communicating specific
Provides a permanent record INTERNAL message to a specific
Facilitates the creation of
audience with a specific
organized messages Memos, reports, internal
purpose.
presentations, company
meeting within the
organisation
DIFFRENCES BETWEEN GENERAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
GENERAL COMMUNICATION TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
General content Technical content
General vocabulary Specialised vocabulary
Usually no formal elements Formal elements
Both, formal and informal in style Always formal in style
Both, factual and non-factual Always factual
Both, objective and subjective Objective
Not always structured Logically organized and structured
Usually no specific exposition techniques Complex and important exposition techniques
Not always for a specific audience Specific audience
May or may not involve graphics Usually, involves graphics
IMPORTANCE OF TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Technical communication is the essence of organizational life and a prerequisite to effective management.
It not only makes professional interaction possible but also directs the flow of technical information
and knowledge for the guidance of technocrats, engineers, and others in their professional activities.
It stimulates scientists and researchers to act to achieve individual as well as social and organizational
objectives and develops information and understanding essential for effective group functioning.
It leads to unification between the activities of individuals as a work team and helps to foster positive
attitudes required for motivation, cooperation, and other important organizational processes.
It ensures free exchange of information and ideas and promotes scientific temper and maintenance of
professional relations.
Technical communication skills are crucial to professional success today because success in
communicating in the technical environment will depend not just on an effective style but on the
ability to analyse, organize, and present essential information effectively.
Knowledge of highly sophisticated technical or professional skills will be useless if one does not know
how to communicate.