Precision and Purpose: The Primary Concerns of Technical Communicators

Technical communicators aren’t like everyone else. While many might shy away from the maze of technical jargon, acronyms, and intricate concepts, we wade in confidently. Why? Because our role is to sift through the complexity so others don’t have to. We reassemble scattered thoughts, ideas, and notions into coherent descriptions and instructions. By grappling with the dense material, we make it digestible for our users, ensuring they understand both the ‘what’ and the ‘why’. Always with an eye on the end-user, we strive for them to swiftly grasp the information.

Clarity and Conciseness

Our main objective is to know our audience and distill complex information for their quick comprehension. While some topics are inherently complex, the key is in using direct language to make them accessible. In doing so, we strive to present these topics in terms that even a layperson can understand without needing a dictionary. 

A dictionary and thesaurus are invaluable tools for us. We aren’t focused on crafting intellectually ornate prose. Instead, our mission is to deconstruct complex sentences and clarify the language, lifting the burden from our readers. Our satisfaction comes when readers can effortlessly navigate our content and get what they need to accomplish their tasks.

Completeness

While conciseness and completeness might appear at odds, both are essential. While striving for brevity, we must not compromise on thoroughness. This means rigorously testing our procedural steps and ensuring subject matter experts review our work. They can pinpoint any oversights, ensuring we deliver comprehensive content without sacrificing clarity.

Sustainability of the Program

A technical communication program’s true success isn’t solely in its immediate outcomes but in its lasting impact. We produce adaptable documents, choose scalable tools, and consistently factor in our audience’s long-term requirements. This foresight ensures that our contributions remain both agile and enduring.

Strategic Forward Thinking

As technology constantly advances, our role that we be proactive. Our responsibility pushes us to stay ahead, foreseeing possible changes whether they come from new software, evolving user demographics, or industry changes. Recognizing these changes is essential, and equally important is effectively communicating them to our leadership.

Empowerment and Support

Last but not least, while we may often find ourselves as the lone technical communicator on a large team, we understand the importance of building a strong network. By mentoring, sharing, and advocating for our craft, we bolster our community and magnify the collective impact of our profession. We do this both inside the company we are working for and outside. The Society for Technical Communications is an extraordinary organization to both make professional connections but also to learn and hone our craft. 

In essence, thinking like a technical communicator means viewing information through a unique lens—one that discerns clarity from confusion, future from present, and community from individuality. By embracing these principles, we not only support our audience but also amplify influence of our profession.