The document discusses an expanded role for technical communicators, emphasizing the importance of increasing their influence within the company and closer to customers by improving communication and content accessibility. It highlights issues faced by technical writers, such as gaps in documentation updates and notification, and proposes a solution of regular, direct updates to staff regarding documentation changes. The initiative has led to improved visibility of content, reduced support queries, and is well-received by the audience, providing added value without significant additional workload.

1. An Expanded Role for
Technical Communicators
@stc_org
@stcindia
@techcommtodd
#techcomm
#techdelivery

2. • Where can we expand our reach?
– Further in the company
– Closer to customers
• How do we increase influence?
– Provide more service
– Help others (make it easier for them)

3. • Todd DeLuca (Tech Comm Todd)
• Manage team of technical writers
(software documentation)
• Live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (US)
• Active STC Volunteer, Leader, and Past
Chapter President
• Chair, 2016 STC Summit
• Candidate, 2016 STC Director
• STC Conference Speaker
@techcommtodd

4. • People did not know when documentation
was updated or created.
• Technical writers were not responsible for
sharing or providing content to customers.
• Tech Comm team was dependent on
others to notify people and share links.

5. #techcomm
#techdelivery
@techcommtodd @stcindia

6. • Decided to research the problem.
• Talked to stakeholders.
• Checked content locations to make sure
content was accessible and could be
copied or downloaded.
• Made sure content links weren't 'broken'

7. • Writers produce good, timely content.
• People were not looking for updates
themselves and did not know where
content was posted.
• People were not alerted regularly.
• There was a communication gap.

8. #techcomm
#techdelivery
@techcommtodd @stcindia

9. #techcomm
#techdelivery
@techcommtodd @stcindia

10. • Alert others to documentation changes.
• Keep audience informed and up to date.
• Do not leave responsibility with others.
• Technical communication team takes
content closer to users and customers.

11. • New Tech Comm team deliverable.
• Produced and published every week.
• Sent direct via email to staff (internal).
• Broad distribution (everyone gets a copy).

12. @techcommtodd @stcindia
#techcomm
#techdelivery

13. #techcomm
#techdelivery
@techcommtodd @stcindia

14. • List of recent documentation changes
• Includes new and updated content
• Document post date and description
• Links to documents in file repository (to
retrieve or copy)

15. Click Image
to download
sample file

16. Click Image
to download
sample file

17. • People like it! Makes their job easier.
• Everyone is informed and current.
• Fewer questions about status or location
of documentation (less support).
• Regular and reliable updates (predictable).
• Increases visibility of content.

18. #techcomm
#techdelivery
@techcommtodd @stcindia

19. • Added value and service from the Technical
Communication team.
• Doesn't take much extra time or work.
• Boosts profile of technical writers.
• Expansion into other areas and reports.
• Connections with other teams and clients.

20. #techcomm
#techdelivery
@stcindia
@techcommtodd

21. • Do you get similar questions or requests
for updates about your content?
• Can you see your team producing a similar
report?
• How might this benefit your group?

23. • Content based on
Intercom article,
published October
2015
• intercom.stc.org

24. • Happy Republic Day!
• Contact me:
– techcommtodd@gmail.com
– LinkedIn/techcommtodd