Technical communication is more transactional than some other forms of communication, meaning there is a purpose between the writer and the reader. Usually written for a specific audience, technical communication can be in the form of reports, product specifications, videos, slide presentations, or even simple instructions that employees need to follow. It can provide many advantages for businesses to communicate with their clients or customers.
What Is Technical Communication?
Technical communication refers to communicating for educational reasons. The information is specifically to inform, not to entertain. When creating a piece of technical writing, the writer must overcome “The Curse of Knowledge,” as Steven Pinker would call it.
To overcome this Curse of Knowledge, you have to understand that every potential reader will not have the knowledge you do and that you will need to create a logical pathway through the information so all of your audience will understand. This involves remembering three key aspects while drafting technical information: the information, the intended audience, and the purpose of the draft.
The Importance Of Technical Communication In Business
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A well-drafted technical publication can cost a chunk of money to produce, but the desired effect is to produce income by educating stockholders and keeping employees on the same page regarding a specific project. Whether it be a website or a proposal, good communication pays as well as bringing in new customers or clients. By communicating the information clearly, technical communication should bring everyone up to date and on the same level of knowledge regarding the subject. This is essential for employees or team members to work effectively and efficiently.
How To Use Technical Communication In Business
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There are many applications of technical communication, but it is more important to have a true technical writer versus having an employee who is a good writer, who also writes technical documents. A technical writer must not only understand their audience, but also their audience's level of reading. If a tech writer is working on a piece about a new piece of hardware, they may need to explain in detail some of the new aspects included in the hardware. Especially if it is a piece directed toward stockholders.
Additionally, a good tech writer provides some important services for businesses. The information becomes usable, which in turn brings value to the company by advancing their goals. Along with proposals and letters, a tech writer might also produce illustrations for clarity, instructional material for new employees, medical instructions, and user-focused websites. For example, many medical practices are picking up on the importance of listing the procedures available and specific details to what they entail. This gives peace of mind to potential patients regarding their services and gives them more confidence to consult about that practice.
Conclusion
According to the National Commission on Writing, some employees spend about 30 percent of their time at work writing technical documents (like progress reports). This is just another example of how important technical writing is to businesses and professionals. As mentioned, a business's relationship with its customers can improve by using technical communication. Depending on the business, a website can provide a lot of information to potential customers regarding your business's mission statement as well as updates about new products or improved services.
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