Re: When the term "Technical Writer" just doesn't cut it

Subject: Re: When the term "Technical Writer" just doesn't cut it
From: Beth Agnew <Beth -dot- Agnew -at- senecac -dot- on -dot- ca>
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:27:05 -0500

If we declare our core competencies to be designing and delivering
effective communications, and call ourselves technical communicators, we
have many more opportunities across the spectrum of industries than if
we focus on documentation. Documentation, while important, is just one
of our many skills.

"Technical communicator" differentiates us from marketing and from
corporate communications people who do more public relations and event
planning than hard core communicating. The "technical" part indicates
not only our comprehension of technical material but our facility with
all kinds of technologies and that we use a range of technologies to
communicate.

The term "technical communicator" (unless we can find a better one)
should mean someone who is skilled in communicating everything from
dense technical material, regulations, and even institutional policy to
more lightweight material in a clear, concise manner that meets the
needs of the audience.

And yes, by that standard, every company in the world needs to have at
least one technical communicator on the payroll.

No point thinking small. :-)

Michael West wrote:

>Designing and delivering effective communications will get you farther than
>"documenting software" ever will.
>
-
Beth Agnew, Professor
Co-ordinator, Technical Communication Program
Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
Toronto, ON
416-491-5050 x3133
http://www.senecatechcomm.com


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References:
When the term "Technical Writer" just doesn't cut it: From: Michael West
RE: When the term "Technical Writer" just doesn't cut it: From: Connie Giordano
RE: When the term "Technical Writer" just doesn't cut it: From: Michael West

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