Nature of technical communication

Technical communication has certain characteristics which distinguish it from general or literary communication.

Nature

1. Purpose-oriented. It is written or spoken to inform, instruct, persuade or record, so that readers can act or make decisions.
2. Audience-centred. The language and details are chosen for the knowledge, needs and position of the reader (expert, manager, customer).
3. Factual and objective. It is based on data, evidence and observation, not on personal feelings or opinions.
4. Accurate and precise. Numbers, units, terms and instructions must be correct, because errors can cause loss or danger.
5. Clear, concise and complete. It uses simple words, short sentences and all necessary information, without unnecessary detail.
6. Organised and formatted. It follows standard formats (reports, proposals, manuals) with headings, numbering, lists and summaries for easy reading.
7. Uses visuals. Tables, graphs, diagrams and drawings support the text.
8. Formal and impersonal. The tone is professional, often in the passive voice or the third person.
9. Uses technical vocabulary carefully, with explanations for non-experts.
10. Ethical and responsible. It must be honest, give credit to sources and respect confidentiality.
11. Multi-directional and collaborative. It flows upward, downward, horizontally and externally, and is often prepared by teams.

Technical communication is thus a practical, standardised and reader-focused activity.