Hi this is Jim Lipuma of the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Recording for my Technical Communications class.
This material comes from my text Fundamentals of Undergraduate Education and Learning.
And today's topic is Technical Communication.
So far we've discussed many different conceptions of communication and now we want to delve a little bit deeper
into a more specific concept dealing with this class. Which is, what is Technical Communication?
For us it's a form of communication dealing with specialized content, format, methods delivery, and needs of the target you're seeking.
Though, all kinds of communication can benefit from what we're talking about.
This course as it unfolds over the next few lectures will really begin to look at different aspects of the concepts put forth here.
Now, generally many people think of Technical Communication as expert knowledge being translated to a general audience.
But this isn't always true. Any kind of specialized communication task in which you need to use a specified form
meet a specific kind of content, deliver something to a target and the way they want, or
meet the needs of the target as specified could be considered technical communication.
Many times, your resumes is one of the first places where you will encounter a technical communication situation -
- meaning very specific rules and guidelines to be followed.
Now, one thing that you want to think about is that you have to expect the sender to think about the package
and tailor it so that it meets the needs of that situation.
This is what technical communication will hopefully assist you to do.
So, what we want to think about is as you make that package, there's three major areas to consider.
There's goal, target, and situation.
At the beginning, these are the central concerns for the sender. This will not guarantee that your package will work
But as you work to construct your package, which again the combination of message and medium,
if you understand your goal, your target, and the situation in which the package will be used
you're more likely to create an effective package that accomplishes your goal.
Now, goal, this is what the sender wants. This deals with your decision and choices.
The more you know about things, the more research you've done, the more prepared you are,
the more likely your goal will be clearly specified and defined as well as more effectively accomplished by your package.
Next is target. This is the person or group of people that you intend your package to be received by.
And for us, what you really have to consider, is what that person or group of people will need to see
and what to have so that you're goal can be accomplished.
Lastly is the idea of situation. And this deals with the details of the experience that occur as the package is being received and acted upon.
And as you do, figure out what to expect and with that expectation you can then create your package to anticipate these things.
The situation often contains those obstacles that we were talking about in the process of communication
and so that if can anticipate any obstacles, either inter-personal or transmission obstacles,
you're more likely to create a package that will overcome them so that your target can receive it and thus accomplish your goal.
So what are the parts?
Again, we begin with package because package is where many people begin to craft the ideas that they want to accomplish.
Sometimes, the form is given to you. Other times it's up to you to choose it.
Sometimes the method of delivery has already been specified. Other times you'll have to choose this.
So for your package, again it's the combination of message and medium.
If we look at the goal, related to the sender, this is up to you to choose.
If we think about the target, again this up for you to choose but many times it's delivered to you.
Unfortunately, I cannot tell you what to do. I can give you suggestions about what's most likely.
For example, in your resume there are certain forms that your target will automatically expect to see in a written resume.
There's certain pieces of content or message that they will expect to have in it.
In order to accomplish your goal of having your resume read
And so that the target will contact you, these ideas are important.
Also then to the medium, your resume is often delivered in written form.
But in some case it's to be scanned in by a computer. Or presented as you're speaking to them orally.
These types of delivery and the medium used change the package, because of the situation. And that's our last aspect.
This idea of situation looks at what happens when the package is received by
opened, and then trying to be read and interpreted by your target.
Sometimes this is the most difficult thing to anticipate, but it gives you the most likelihood of success.
because here is where you will begin to expect what the target wants in the package
and makes sure there's nothing that prohibits, prevents, or in any way keeps them from getting your message.
For the remainder of these lectures that we're going to talk about from now on, we're going to use these different terms.
Goal, situation, target, and package, and then delve into their content much more deeply so that we can improve
the quality of what you create to increase the likelihood of your success. Thank you very much.