Chapter 2: Aspects of Technical Communication

Introduction

In the previous chapter, I introduced the concept of genre. Remember genre refers to a type, and so in the context of professional and technical writing, genre refers to a type of document. An example of a specific genre would be an email. In professional and technical communication a wide array of genres exist for a company to run a business. In this chapter are some common genres used in professional contexts. This chapter will cover several genres common in technical communication while other chapters will look at genres more deeply.

This chapter also covers some key terms and concepts within the field of technical communication, such as the role of generative AI in technical communication and the roles and responsibilities of subject-matter experts (SMEs) in technical communication. Before these concepts are discussed, it is important to think about roles and skillsets a technical communicator may have.

Who is a Technical Communicator?

A technical communicator may have different job titles, so don’t think that if you do a search for “technical writer” or “technical communicator” you will find all job openings. Many times companies will give different names for roles or positions that require the skills of a technical communicator. For this reason, this introduction will share a few things to keep in mind about the skillsets of a technical communicator.

A technical communicator is someone who may do one or more of the following:

• Create documentation over processes, procedures, and tools in the form of user manuals, instructions, fact sheets, or other user-centric documents.
• Edit and proofread materials to be shared with external and internal audiences
• Communicate technical expertise to layperson audiences
• Manage projects and follow deadlines for completing a project through project management skills
• Write and design print documents for various audiences
• Write and design website content to be shared with outside audiences
• Create ways to improve or develop the usability of a user interface through user experience writing and design and/or running usability testing
• Have technical or research skills to solve problems and identify solutions
• Have strong collaboration skills
• May have knowledge of markup languages, such as HTML, CSS, Javascript, and/or others to effectively work with software engineers.

Because of these vast and diverse skillsets, a technical communicator can have various job titles and roles. It is important to consider what your own skills are as you look forward to the job market after graduation. It is also important to take courses you feel will improve your skillsets and help you develop and refine your skillsets. One of the biggest things of a technical communicator is the ability to always learn and listen well because you are the one who is creating documentation for various audiences.