This book is written for Business students at the Bachelor’s level and it is the second among two volumes on technical communication. This volume focuses on the application of the concepts discussed in the first volume. It offers practical guidelines in enhancing skills such as writing basic technical documents in the workplace, and public speaking, or presentations.
In Technical Communication: Concept and Process (Book I), we learned about many conceptual and procedural topics in technical communication, ranging from audience analysis, technical communication competencies, technical communication process, legal, ethical and cultural issues in technical communication, organization and design, graphics and illustrations, style and mechanics, and grammar and usage.
Salient in all these concepts and processes were the key principles of technical communication: knowing your communicative purpose; being audience-cantered; using simple, clear and concise language; being specific, concrete and accurate in details; adopting appropriate approach, format, style and tone; using relevant visuals; adhering to ethical and legal principles and respecting cultural sensitivities; making your communication accessible, relevant and easy to use; collaborating with others; being prepared to correct errors promptly and take on challenges; and being creative.
We need specific tools to achieve each of these principles. A tool is an instrument or an apparatus, a means to an end, a handy device that aids us in accomplishing a specific task. Technical communication, for its focus on getting things done and solving problems, is a highly practical activity. In this book, Technical Communication: Tools and Applications (Book II), we focus on putting some of those tools into practice, or application, which is defined by dictionary to mean “an act of applying” or an act of putting to use.
In Chapter 1, we discuss personal and career portfolios, highlight the effective ways for planning and preparing for job searches, examine the techniques of writing résumés and cover letters to apply for jobs, and the nature and methods of effective job interviews.
Chapter 2 focuses on correspondence in the form of memoranda, letters and emails messages. We look at the nature of these messages, and when they should be used. Since these messages are also increasingly electronic in form, we offer some tips on using electronic messages effectively.
Chapter 3 is about reports, minutes and assessments, more complex than other basic tools of communication. We identify the key features of these documents with relevant examples.
In Chapter 4, we study proposals, grants and contract documents, their types, formats and structures with samples, and appropriate guidelines in writing them.
Chapter 5 examines guides and instructions, the special forms of technical applications focused on users. We familiarize ourselves with the nature of these documents, and learn about planning and drafting them based on our needs. Some real examples of these documents are also presented.
Chapter 6 is about brochures, notices and advertisements, the common forms of persuasive and promotional documents. We examine the nature of these documents, and learn about planning and drafting them based on our needs.
In Chapter 7 we learn how to develop media stories and news releases. We also cover news reports, features, broadcast stories, and blogs. We discuss the types of stories, their structures and formats with relevant samples.
With Chapter 8, we shift our attention to oral communication. Here we focus on oral presentations, an important component of technical communication in the everyday workplace. We also cover topics such as visual aids, non-verbal communication and webinars.
Finally, in Chapter 9, we focus on research project work, where we discuss research methods and research writing approaches, including referencing,
Just like Book I, this volume is written with the Nepali context in mind, drawing examples from everyday life, academia and workplaces. Included at the end of the each chapter are exercises for comprehension or practice as well as relevant references.