SUBJECT NAME : Technical Communication
SUBJECT CODE : BAS 301/401
UNIT 1 : Fundamentals of Communication & Voice
Dynamics:
TOPIC: ROLE & PURPOSE of COMMUNICATION
By-
Dr. Monika Agarwal
COMMUNICATION
Communication is the life line of human survival.
We connect with the environment and people
around us through communication.
Communication is an important requirement of
every profession and business.
A professional participates in the process of
communication in many ways.
Communication is an exchange of facts,
ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more
persons.
“Communication is the process by which
information is transmitted between
individuals and/or organization so that an
understanding response results”.
DEFINITION
The term is derived from the Latin word
“communis” or “communicare” - means “to
share” or to make common.
Communication means to make common
some facts, information, thoughts and
requirements.
Therefore- it is the exchange of thoughts,
message, information etc. by way of speech,
signal or in writing.
Process of communication
Communication process consists of certain steps
where each step constitutes the essential of an
effective communication.
Communication is effective when a concise and
clear message is delivered well, received
successfully and understood fully, a desired
response is generated.
ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
SENDER
MESSAGE
RECEIVER
The process of communication has the following distinct
components-
Sender- a person with an idea & need or urge to share it
Encoding- process of turning the abstract idea into a
concrete form - verbal or non verbal/ oral or written
Message- a concrete and ready-to-be-shared form of the
abstract thought.
Channel- the media suitable acc to the form.
Receiver- the person on the other end.
Decoding- interpretation of the message by the receiver.
Feedback- verbal or non verbal response by the receiver.
Barriers & ‘Noise’- negative elements causing
miscommunication
TYPES of COMMNICATION
People communicate with each other in different
ways-
On the basis of channel used , two types-
Verbal Communication
Non- Verbal communication
On the basis of layout, the two types are-
Formal communication
Informal communication
On the basis of purpose ,there are two types of
communication-
General communication
Technical Communication
Technical Communication
Technical means- something related to science and
technology, practical use of machinery and methodology in
industry and research;
Communication is- a process of sharing of information with
others to create an understanding and ensure mutual
cooperation. SO,
Technical communication is the process of sharing
some specific information, in specific format, with
specific people, for specific purpose, in a specific
setting, and to achieve specific objective to fulfill
professional duties and goals.
Peculiarities of Technical
communication
Specific Purpose- inform, instruct, persuade
Specific content- (Message) scientific or objective facts and thoughts
Specific Format- particular forms with fixed layout and structure
Specific audience/receiver-superiors, colleagues, subordinates,
Customers
Specific setting or environment- in offices, industry or any workplace
Implication of Technical
Communication
Technical communication becomes a means to document
or convey scientific, engineering, or other technical
information.
The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators
defines technical communication as-“ factual
communication, usually about products and services.”
The Society for Technical Communication defines it as-
“any form of communication that focuses on technical or
specialized topics, communicates specifically by using
technology or provides instructions on how to do
something.”
The overarching goal of T C practice is-
‘creating easily accessible information for a
specific audience- a bridge between the
people who know technology and people who
use it. ‘
Features of Technical Communication
ABC of technical communication
A- Accuracy- correct facts & language
B- Brevity - brief expressions ( speaking or writing
C- Clarity – in thought and how one expresses
There are some specific ways to ensure ABC in technical
communication-
Features of Technical Communication…….
Formality (Presentational formats) Well Organized
Objectivity- fact, numbers- based, same to everyone,
Familiarity- Use of familiar and easy words
Precision- Use of correct sentences of moderate length
Avoidance of redundant phrases Use of Objective
logical and sequential-sequential development of
Features of Technical
Communication….
With Visual Aids( graphs, charts, tables,
diagrams etc.
Use of Jargons ( technical terms)
Appropriate For Intended Audience (receiver-
oriented)
Importance of Technical Communication
Important role in the field of engineering, inferring
data from graphs charts and preparation of technical
paper
useful in enhancing the interpersonal communication
at work place.
used to communicate specific message to specific
used to prepare technical description.
used to impart information in a precise way.
used to clear and concise analysis of scientific
or engineering result.
FEATURES OF GENERAL WRITING
AS
CONTRARY TO TECHNICAL WRITING
Technical means ‘connected with the practical use of
machinery, methods in science and industry’. So,
T C is the transmission of scientific & technical
information from one individual or group to another
it is a set of systems which includes all the
methods, means & media, channels, networks &
systems of communication used for exchange of
information for specific purpose.
General writing is non-technical and common purpose
communication
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENERAL & TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATION
Parameters Professional / Technical General Writing
Writing
1-Content Factual information, straight- Imaginative, feelings, emotions,
forward content Metaphoric, Symbolic content
2-Audience Specific audience- executives General audience, friends.
and administrators, Relatives, strangers, or can be
colleagues, subordinates & addressed to anyone
customers
3-Purpose Inform, instruct,(provoke) Show support, Entertain, teach,
persuade Preach, just to keep in touch etc.
Parameters Professional / Technical General Writing
Writing
Style Formal style, standard format, Informal, artistic, figurative
academic in nature, Jargons and language, no jargons usage,
graphics use freedom of imagination & format
Vocabulary Specific words, simple language, Ornamental language, freedom of
one particular meaning-jargons speech/words, with layers of
meaning
Approach Objective, impersonal, formal Subjective, personal, informal
Organisation Sequential and systematic, May be casual, Arbitrary and
familiarity creates effect artistic, strangeness creates effect
Parameters Professional / Technical General Writing
Writing
Type of Proposals, user manuals, web Personal letters, e-mails,
documents pages, emails, reports, newsletters, Literature, daily need
and many other kinds of related noting and
professional documents. conversation, chats
Ultimate goal • Solution based, Mostly expression based,
• action-oriented discussion and narration are
• Contained safety- and warning more important than
Functions solution and results
Utility can be considered the conduit Expression-
between - a means to connect with all
people who know technology and- the people around a human
those who use it being
EXAMPLES
TECHNICAL WAY OF EXPRESSION GENERAL WAY OF EXPRESSION
There were approximately 400 There were hundreds of people
people as an audience in the who were gathered there in the
auditorium. hall to watch the performance.
The soldering is imperfect. The two pieces of metal are not
joined properly.
