Technical communication and its scope

Technical communication is the process of conveying technical or specialised information (about science, engineering, technology and similar fields) clearly, accurately and efficiently to a specific audience for a specific purpose, using written, oral and visual means.

Scope for engineers

1. Written documents. Engineers write reports (feasibility, progress, project), proposals, memos, e-mails, letters, notices, minutes, specifications, tender documents, manuals, instructions and technical articles.
2. Oral communication. Meetings, presentations to clients, site discussions, telephone conversations, interviews and training sessions.
3. Visual communication. Drawings, graphs, charts, tables, flow charts, diagrams, maps and models to explain data and designs.
4. Digital communication. Websites, documentation, online collaboration tools, video conferencing and social media.
5. Directions of communication. Upward (to managers), downward (to staff), horizontal (with colleagues) and external (with clients, suppliers, government and the public).
6. Throughout the project life cycle. From proposal and design to construction, testing, operation, maintenance and closing report.
7. Career and professional growth. Employers value engineers who can write and speak well; it is needed for jobs, promotion, research publications, funding and leadership.
8. Ethics and safety. Correct instructions and warnings protect users and the public.

Hence technical communication is a core professional skill for engineers in every field and at every level of work.