Technical Writing

Technical communication and technical writing 

Technical Communication Defined

Communication can be accomplished in many different ways.  With advancements in technology and social media, we find new and more convenient ways to communicate every day.  Technical communication is the use of various forms of media and technology to illustrate or explain technical material in a way that the audience can understand.  Such material may include technical publications, “how-to” videos, and even podcasts and other technical materials.  Technical communication encompasses all forms of media including audio, video, and the written word, to communicate technical information to different audiences. 

Technical Writing Defined

Virtually any form of written instruction can be considered as technical writing.  Technical writing is a form of technical communication that uses the written word to communicate technical information and ideas to a reader.  Technical writing includes writing in the form of technical manuals, publications, pamphlets, and even websites. 

Lannon, J. M. (2008). Technical Communication (11th ed.). New York, NY: Longman - A Pearson Education Company

Society for Technical Communication. (2010). What’s the difference between technical communicator and technical writer? Retrieved March 7, 2012, from Society for Technical Communication: http://archive.stc.org/story/tc_tw.asp