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

[Beth Agnew <Beth -dot- Agnew -at- senecac -dot- on -dot- ca>]

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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