Editing Technical communication (section)

{{Short description|Field of communication of technical information}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
'''Technical communication''' (or '''tech comm''') is [[communication]] of technical subject matter such as [[engineering]], [[science]], or [[technology]] content. The largest part of it tends to be [[technical writing]], though importantly it often requires aspects of [[visual communication]] (which in turn sometimes entails [[technical drawing]], requiring more specialized training). Technical communication also encompasses oral delivery modes such as [[presentation]]s involving technical material. When technical communication occurs in workplace settings, it's considered a major branch of [[professional communication]]. In research or [[R&D]] contexts (academic or industrial), it can overlap with [[scientific writing]]. 

Technical communication is used to convey scientific, engineering, or other technical information.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Johnson-Sheehan |first=Richard |title=Technical Communication Today |date=2005 |publisher=Longman |isbn=978-0-321-11764-9}}</ref> Individuals in a variety of contexts and with varied professional credentials engage in technical communication. Some individuals are designated as technical communicators or [[technical writer]]s as their primary role; for some others, the role is inherently part of their technical position (e.g., engineers). 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. 

The [[Society for Technical Communication]] defines the field as any form of communication that focuses on technical or specialized topics, communicates specifically by using technology, or provides instructions on how to do something.<ref>[https://www.stc.org/about-stc/defining-technical-communication/ Defining Technical Communication] at the STC official website. Accessed 28 February 2018.</ref><ref name="whirl">[http://techwhirl.com/what-is-technical-communications/ What is Technical Communications?] TechWhirl. Accessed 9 December 2014.</ref> More succinctly, the [[Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators]] defines technical communication as factual communication, usually about products and services.<ref>[http://www.istc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CareersLeaflet-v1-1.pdf Thinking of a career in technical communication?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421114512/http://www.istc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CareersLeaflet-v1-1.pdf |date=21 April 2016 }} at the ISTC official website. Last updated May 2012. Accessed 28 February 2013.</ref> The [[European Association for Technical Communication]] briefly defines technical communication as "the process of defining, creating and delivering information products for the safe, efficient and effective use of products (technical systems, software, services)".<ref>[http://www.technical-communication.org/technical-communication/defining-technical-communication.html Defining Technical Communication] at the Tekom Europe official website. Last updated October 2015. Accessed 8 October 2015.</ref>

Whatever the definition of technical communication, the overarching goal of the practice is to create easily accessible information for a specific audience.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100524154910/http://www.tcanz.org.nz/Resources/Learn+About+Technical+Communication/Technical+Communication.html What is Technical Communication?] at the official website of the Technical Communicators Association of New Zealand. Accessed 28 February 2013.</ref>