In either case, these individuals utilize appropriate skills to research, document, and present technical information as needed.
Technical communicators may use modalities including paper documents, digital files, audio and video media, and live delivery.
[5] Whatever the definition of technical communication, the overarching goal of the practice is to create easily accessible information for a specific audience.
[6] Technical communicators generally tailor information to a specific audience, which may be subject matter experts, consumers, end-users, etc.
Technical communicators often work collaboratively to create deliverables that include online help, user manuals, classroom training guides, computer-based training, white papers, government documents, industrial videos, reference cards, data sheets, journal articles, and patents.
Other jobs available to technical communicators include digital strategist, marketing specialist, and content manager.
[7] Much like technology and the world economy, technical communication as a profession has evolved over the last half-century.
Technical communicators must now consider different platforms such as social media and apps, as well as different channels like web and mobile.
[12][10] Lauer and Brumberger further assert, "…UX is a natural extension of the work that technical communicators already do, especially in the modern technological context of responsive design, in which content is deployed across a wide range of interfaces and environments.
Audience type affects many aspects of communication, from word selection and graphics use to style and organization.
Busy audiences often don't have time to read entire documents, so content must be organized for ease of searching—for example by frequent headings, white space, and other cues that guide attention.
To this end, technical communicators typically distinguish quotations, paraphrases, and summaries when taking notes.
Before writing the initial draft, the technical communicator organizes ideas in a way that makes the document flow well.
Setting aside blocks of an hour or more, in a place free of distractions, helps the writer maintain a flow.
They ensure that technical writing reflects formatting, punctuation, and general stylistic standards that the audience expects.
In the United States, many consider the Chicago Manual of Style the bible for general technical communication.
At this point, the writer performs a mechanical edit, checking the document for grammar, punctuation, common word confusions, passive voice, overly long sentences, etc.