Choosing the best communication method
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Contents |
Introduction
Often, it is assumed that a communication (developed by a Technical Writer) will be a written communication. Whilst a written communication is almost certainly the most common method of communication developed by Technical Writers, written communications are not the only kind, and in some cases will not be the most suitable method.
Written communications
Has the benefit of leaving a permanent record of the communication
Recipient can read the communication over and over again
Verbal person-to-person
Consider appropriateness in terms of rank, relationship between sender/recipient.
Only really useful for one-to-one (or small group) communications.
Advantage is that everyone receives the message at the same time.
Multimedia
Consider the ability of the users to play back the multimedia content:
- A PC that can support multimedia (graphics, speakers, software, codecs)
- An environment in which they can play the multimedia content (i.e. if they are in an open-plan office then they will need headphones)
Voicemail
Recorded messages
(auto-responder systems on phones)
Presentations
(Spoken, one person to 1:many) Here, the Technical Communicator will normally be involved in developing 2 things: instructor/facilitator notes, and handouts for the attendees. Both of these are variations on written communications.
Equipment
Microform
- Microfiche (72 pages to the sheet)
- Rollfilm
- Aperture cards
Advantages: Savings on space
Disadvantages: Machinery needed to create and display; updating
Consider growing role of magneto-optical cartridges
