These slides were used in a presentation to an upper-level English class at Lander University. This presentation is intended to share the opportunities and benefits of considering a course in technical communications.

1. What is Technical Communication?
And why should you care?
Jamie Gillenwater
Writing in the Disciplines
April 5, 2012
Lander University, Greenwood, SC

2. Defining technical communication
Technical communication is a broad field and includes any form of
communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:
 Communicating about technical or specialized topics, such as
computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental
regulations.
 Communicating by using technology, such as web pages, help
files, or social media sites.
 Providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of how
technical the task is or even if technology is used to create or distribute
that communication.
The value that technical communicators deliver is twofold: They make
information more useable and accessible to those who need that
information, and in doing so, they advance the goals of the companies or
organizations that employ them.
– Society for Technical Communication
www.stc.org

3. Based on Society for Technical
Communication LinkedIn group discussion

4. Evolving technologies
 Single-sourcing documentation
 Globalization & translation management
 Mobile applications
 Collaboration tools
“You must be comfortable with
technology. You must be adaptable
and willing to learn new tools.”
– Andrea Wenger,
Senior Technical Communicator

5. Shifting roles & responsibilities
 Writing  Globalization &
 Editing localization
 Content strategy  Usability
 Information architecture  Design, including
 Indexing
technical illustration &
web design
 Instructional design
 Training development &
 Technical illustrating
presentation
– Society for Technical Communication
www.stc.org

6. Why should you care?
 Helping others by
making technology
easier to use
 Constantly learning
 Generally good pay
& benefits
 Opportunities to
travel

7. U.S. average salaries
Salary Median Salary Compared to
Job Title
Guess Salary Range Tech Writer
$53,070
Writer/Author $ $53,070 86%
$106,630
In Advertising/PR $ $58,740 95%
In Newspaper/Book
$ $43,450 71%
Publishing
$28,090
Editor $ $49,990 81%
$95,490
Teacher (Elementary- $30,970
$ $49,140 80%
Secondary) $80,970
Postsecondary $28,870
$ $58,830 95%
Teacher $121,850
$36,500
Technical Writer $ $61,620 100%
$97,460
– Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

8. How can you become a technical
communicator?
 Develop communication skills, not just writing
skills
 Develop research skills,
“Learn new
which go beyond books & tools, new
the internet, and often technologies, new
include interview skills models, new ways
of thinking.”
 Develop technical expertise
– Alyssa Fox,
& understanding Technical Communications
Manager
 Develop design skills
 Join professional society
 Determine professional priorities

9. How can you become a technical
communicator?
 Intern with a technical
communicator, preferably in a company or
department that focuses on technical
communications
 Connect with mentors and professionals
 Volunteer to work on technical communication
projects, such as newsletters & promotions
 Save all writing samples from coursework
 Be open to feedback

10. How can you become a technical
communicator?

11. Let’s discuss!

12. Contact Jamie Gillenwater
E-mail: jamie.gillenwater@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiegillenwater
Twitter: @j_gillenwater
Cell Phone: 864.980.2521