1. Chapter 1 Introduction to Technical Communication
Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace
Laura J. Gurak
John M. Lannon

2. What Is Technical Communication?
Technical communication is the exchange of information that helps people interact with technology, advance workplace goals, and solve complex problems.

3. Technical documents differ from college essays in that they are:
Reader based
Task oriented
Context sensitive
Design based
Written, visual, digital, and oral

4. Writing Is Part of Most Careers
Virtually all professionals, at some point, function as technical communicators

5. Main Features of Technical Communication
Focuses on the reader, not the writer.
Is efficient and accessible.
Is clear and relevant.
Uses media effectively.
Is created by both individuals and teams.
Targets a global audience.
Is persuasive and truthful.
Is based on research.

6. Three Primary Purposes of Technical Communication
Informational documents anticipate and answer questions.
Instructional documents help people perform a task.
Persuasive documents encourage readers to take a desired action.

7. Types of Technical Communication
Memos s
Letters
Instructions
Procedures
Manuals
Brochures
Proposals
Reports

8. The Importance of Proofreading
Basic errors will distract the reader and make the writer look careless.
Proofreading is vital in detecting easily correctable errors.

9. Any Questions?
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