The role of the Technical Communicator
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Introduction
This page provides a brief guide to the range of work required of the Technical Communicator, and a list of the abilities required to fulfill these requirements.
The role of the Technical Communicator is to communicate and inform; to provide information in the form best suited to the needs of the user. Technical Communicators are the bridge between technical experts or designers and the end-users, and are therefore often called upon to 'translate' technical information into a format that is easy for users to understand.
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Capabilities
A Technical Communicator must be capable for performing the following activities:
- Determine the purpose of a document or communication;
- Identify the audience and their requirements;
- Plan the development of a document or communication;
- Collect, analyze and evaluate information from a variety of sources;
- Store information in a logical manner for easy retrieval later;
- Choose the appropriate medium for a communication;
- Choose the appropriate layout and format of a document or communication;
- Adopt or develop appropriate styles and standards;
- Choose appropriate visual aids;
- Choose the method of production;
- Write communications (from initial draft to final publication);
- Plan, procure, and manage printing, production, and distribution services;
- Control on-going maintenance of documentation.
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Skills
The Technical Communicator must possess the following skills:
- A strong grasp of English grammar (assuming that English is the language in which the communication will be developed);
- Good organizational capabilities;
- A good eye for design;
- Attention to detail;
- A basic knowledge of the industry within which they are working;
- The ability to check information provided by others (and know when/what to check);
- Familiarity with the use of various visual aids (illustrations, etc.), and not just text;
- The ability to work with other experts (illustrators, etc.), and with all levels of personnel.
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Duties and responsibilities
- First and foremost, to the users of their communications, to provide accurate and adequate information that they require;
- To the client (commissioning the communication), to deliver the required communications to the required quality, on-time, and within budget;
- To providers of information (such as Subject Matter Experts) to safeguard the information, and return it in the same condition in which it was received.
