TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION

Introduction
The exchange of information, ideas and knowledge

between sender and receiver through an accepted code of symbols. Two way process The term communication, derived from a Latin term communicare. Sender-Encoding-Mediums-Decoding-ReceiverFeedback

Meaning of Communication
Language employs a combination of words to

communicate ideas in a meaningful way. By changing the word order in a sentence, you can change its meaning, and make it meaningless.
E.g.: I eat rice only. I only eat rice.

Process of Communication
encode
Sender Medium

decode
Receiver

Feedback

What is Technical Communication?

Applied communication designed to accomplish specific

tasks or to help solve problems, such as: Informing users about an update in computer software Instructing assembly line workers to produce a new product Warning customers about unsafe ways to operate a machine Instructing buyers how to assemble a bicycle

What is Technical Communication?

Communication that conveys complex information in an

easy-to-understand manner, often to inexperienced users, on topics such as:

Repairing a copy machine Selecting a home computer Operating a digital camera Creating handmade ceramics Assembling a kite

General & Technical Communication

General: Technical:

Contains a general

Contains a technical

message Informal in style and approach No set pattern Mostly oral Not always for a specific audience No use of technical terms or graphics

message Mostly formal in style and approach Follows a set pattern Both oral and written Always for a specific audience Frequently involves jargons, graphics etc.

The Five Cs of Technical Communication

Clear
Correct Concise Consistent Comprehensive

Forms of Technical Communication

Oral Forms

Face-to-face communication Telephone Talk Meetings Seminars Conferences Dictation Instructions Presentations Group discussions Interviews (employment/press) Video conferences Voice conferences

Forms of Technical Communication

Written Forms

Memos Letters E-mails Faxes Notices Circulars Newsletters Reports Proposals Research papers Bulletins Brochures Manuals In-house journals

Levels of Communication
Extra personal

Intra personal
Inter personal Organizational (-internal operational-external

operational-personal) Mass (large reach-impersonal-presence of a gatekeeper)

Thank you