Understanding the real meaning of ‘Technical’ in Technical Communication work

This article is intended for people who considered joining the field of Technical Communication but wondered what it truly means to be ‘technical’. If you’re a beginner in TechComm or would like to become one, this article is your gateway to understanding ‘technical’ in the realm of communication. And I promise it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Technical Communicators work on various projects and always require a unique combination of skills (both technical and creative). Their role is broad and multifaceted, from developing user manuals and online help systems to recording educational videos and managing content strategies.

But have you ever wondered why Technical Communicators are called ‘technical’? What hard skills define the required score of technical? Or how deep and profound their knowledge and experience should be to be considered technical enough? The hidden truth is that there is no right answer or defined skill set to master. Nevertheless, some defining principles of TC work make them undoubtedly ‘technical.’

Bridging the gap between technical and non-technical audiences

One of the primary reasons they are called ‘Technical‘ Communicators’ is their unique ability to bridge the gap between audiences. Depending on the project, they explain complicated software concepts, processes, and technologies that require an in-depth understanding. TCs investigate the topic, dive into the depths of technologies, break down complex processes step by step, and deliver understandable, user-friendly information to the target audience.

In other words, their expertise lies in unraveling complex subjects and presenting them in a manner anyone can comprehend. Whether TCs are creating demo presentations, software simulations, or API documentation, their technical awareness should be deep enough to allow them to make technology, software, and systems accessible to non-technical users.

Collaboration and subject matter expertise

Technical Communicators work closely with subject matter experts: developers, QCs, business analysts, and others to research the topic and validate the accuracy of the produced content.

To excel in such collaboration, they should possess a certain level of subject matter expertise. This expertise allows them to ask the right questions, understand technical details, and effectively translate technical information into user-friendly terms. No, it doesn’t mean they have to know how to deploy a Kubernetes cluster into the cloud or build Docker images. It’s good if they do, but it’s more about general understanding and basic knowledge of the concept. Usually, the team doesn’t need one more engineer, they need an effective communicator.

Embracing technology and tools

Another defining technical aspect of Technical Communicators is their proficiency with various specific tools and technologies. TCs’ role extends far beyond common Word documentation. They are professionals in using authoring tools, content management systems, and graphic design software.

Moreover, Technical Communicators constantly keep up with emerging trends and business requirements, ensuring that their skills meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. This adaptability and familiarity with tech tools enable them to work efficiently and deliver high-quality user assistance.

How do Technical Writers become ‘technical’?

Based on lessons learned, I‘ll go over some proven principles when starting with a new technology stack. I’ll walk you through the practical steps and advice for aspiring technical communicators. From honing your writing skills to diving deeper into technical tools and jargon, I’ve got you covered. By the end of this chapter, you’ll have a clearer understanding and a roadmap to begin your journey into the fascinating world of Technical Communication. Let’s get started!

Identify project areas

Determine the specific technical domains that your project focuses on. Technical Communication covers various industries, such as software development, engineering, healthcare, and more. Outlining a domain ensures that user assistance is relevant to the intended audience within that domain. It helps Technical Communicators meet industry-specific standards and regulations while enhancing their ability to collaborate with subject matter experts and other project stakeholders.

Define tech stack

Outlining the technical stack will make the investigation process more focused. To create technically accurate documentation, the Technical Communicator must be aware of the technologies involved. Being familiar with the main tools or technologies helps them avoid errors and inaccuracies in their content, ensuring users receive reliable information.

Learn the basics

Begin with investigating the basics of technical concepts related to the project tech stack. Online tutorials, courses, and educational platforms can provide introductory lessons on programming languages, tools, and technologies. No need to dive deep into all technologies used on the project, a basic understanding would be enough to feel more confident with a new tool set.

Collaborate with SMEs

Communication with subject matter experts (SMEs) on the project deepens the understanding of technical concepts and enables Technical Communicators to ask relevant questions to extract vital information for their documentation. And they are not scared to ask for help because they are not supposed to know it all.

Seek feedback and review

Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or SMEs regarding your work. Constructive feedback can help TCs identify areas for improvement and refine their technical skills further.

Moreover, review is always a must when it comes to technical documentation. Establish a review process to make sure the user assistance is technically accurate. Regular technical review will help ensure that documentation remains a reliable resource for users.

Key insights

In the world of Technical Communication, there are no limits you can achieve. As you navigate the ever-evolving technologies, remember that it’s not about how deep your technical knowledge goes or how many tools you master; it’s about you making the complex understandable. You can transform complexity into clarity, and with each project, you redefine what it means to be ‘technical.’

Your journey to becoming a true technical expert may have no final destination, but the journey itself makes you an invaluable TC expert.