---
title: "Nature of technical communication"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_5/communication_english:nature-technical-communication"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/nature-technical-communication
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Nature of technical communication

Communication English · Chapter 4: Introduction to technical writing process

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra (new course), 5 marks
- Video: [1.1 - GEELEC3C - NATURE AND ESSENTIALS OF TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kILybVQyHo) — Jonayka Tapiador
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/nature-technical-communication
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-4

## Question

Describe the nature of technical communication.

## Short answer

It is purpose-oriented, audience-centred, factual, accurate, clear, concise, complete, organised, formal, and objective. It uses visuals and technical vocabulary appropriately, is ethical and responsible, and often collaborative.

## Answer

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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Technical communication is called audience-centred because:
   A. It always uses the same language for every reader
   B. Language and details are chosen for the reader's knowledge, needs and position
   C. The writer's feelings decide the content
   D. It is meant only for experts
   Answer: B. Content and language are adapted to the reader, whether expert, manager or customer. (Key point: Audience-centred)

2. Which statement matches the factual and objective nature of technical communication?
   A. It expresses the writer's emotions freely
   B. It relies on exaggeration to persuade
   C. It is based on data, evidence and observation, not personal opinions
   D. It avoids data and uses stories
   Answer: C. Technical writing rests on evidence and observation rather than personal feelings. (Key point: Factual and objective)

3. What tone is typical of technical communication?
   A. Casual and emotional, in the first person
   B. Humorous and slang-filled
   C. Poetic and figurative
   D. Formal and impersonal, often in the passive voice or third person
   Answer: D. The tone is professional and impersonal. (Key point: Tone)

4. Why must numbers, units and instructions be precise?
   A. Errors can cause loss or danger
   B. Because readers enjoy detail
   C. Because it makes the text look longer
   D. Because format rules forbid rounding
   Answer: A. Mistakes in technical information can lead to loss or danger. (Key point: Accuracy)

## Related in Communication English

- [Technical communication and its scope](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Atechnical-communication-scope) — Communication English, chapter 4
- [Interpret: slavery of man to nature](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Ainterpret-slavery-man-to-nature) — Communication English, chapter 1
- [Proposal for computer lab: title, technical, cost](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Aproposal-computer-lab-parts) — Communication English, chapter 6, asked 2×
- [Proposal for computer lab: background, technical, cost](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Aproposal-computer-lab-background-outline) — Communication English, chapter 6, asked 2×
- [Principles of effective technical writing](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Aprinciples-effective-technical-writing) — Communication English, chapter 4
- [Note for a technical talk on earthquake preventive measures](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Anote-technical-talk-earthquake-preventive) — Communication English, chapter 4