Copy of presentation that was given to STC India chapter group on January 23, 2016. This expands upon an STC Intercom article (October 2015) about a new role for tech writers or communicators to take extra steps to deliver their work to their intended audience or stakeholders. A recorded video version of this presentation is also available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OePvggYbyg0&feature=youtu.be

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