Technical communication grows in importance as industry, business, and technology grow expand in esoteric sophistication. For many, the language of these influential spheres is often difficult to comprehend because technology has increased beyond their understanding. In order to convey complexities of technology or the workings of business, we need writers capable of condensing knowledge into something palpable for more people. Communication, after all, is only possible, if all parties can understand each other, so technical communication remains significant to maintain a professional, comprehensible exchange of information in our advancing society.
However, technical communication runs the risk of pedantry, if it fails in concision, or dullness. Long reports and resumes droning on with facts and numbers bores an audience, so when something of importance pops up, no amount of emphasis can shake the reader from the textually-induced stupor. With storytelling, a writer can communicate in a way that is not only concise but engaging. Whether it be through cleverly placed graphics or word emphases, the writer can express through a verbal or nonverbal narration the facts of their piece. Instead of a litany of biology terms, the textbook writer can intersperse text blocks with diagrams and evoke some images in their writing. A poster designer must use colors and themes reflective of the poster's message, and a speechwriter must deliver emotion and personality in oral format. Explaining the minutiae of a topic is the goal, but the writer should, along the way, give the reader something to demonstrate a respect for imagination and creativity.
Storytelling makes instructions and discourse approachable. Steep an article with niche terminology, and you will dissuade most audiences from even glancing at your work. While some writers take pride in having a narrow demographic, most technical communication will need to be read by large bodies, particularly students and employees. Still, the writer should recognize that imparting too much of a story distracts from the main purpose of a technical piece: education. Writers must balance their writing with authority, avoiding conceitedness by encouraging the reader to engage in the text, even if it is something as mundane as an everyday report.
When I look at the graph of key concepts in technical writing, I gravitate to "creative". This is probably not the most original connection, but when it comes to anything requiring thought, I usually focus on words like "innovate", "create", "think", and "analyze". Writing is ultimately a personal endeavor: we might share our works, but we always write alone. Not to paint writing as a lonely hobby: it is simply a personal experience that always starts with the individual. Even if I am writing something factual or analytical, as a writer, it is also my responsibility to keep my reader awake. Soporifics in writing mark me as a writer who does not care about improving her craft, though the snoring reader won't even bother thinking of me or my words as they dream. Simply put, I want to create, and I want to create something well.
However, technical communication runs the risk of pedantry, if it fails in concision, or dullness. Long reports and resumes droning on with facts and numbers bores an audience, so when something of importance pops up, no amount of emphasis can shake the reader from the textually-induced stupor. With storytelling, a writer can communicate in a way that is not only concise but engaging. Whether it be through cleverly placed graphics or word emphases, the writer can express through a verbal or nonverbal narration the facts of their piece. Instead of a litany of biology terms, the textbook writer can intersperse text blocks with diagrams and evoke some images in their writing. A poster designer must use colors and themes reflective of the poster's message, and a speechwriter must deliver emotion and personality in oral format. Explaining the minutiae of a topic is the goal, but the writer should, along the way, give the reader something to demonstrate a respect for imagination and creativity.
Storytelling makes instructions and discourse approachable. Steep an article with niche terminology, and you will dissuade most audiences from even glancing at your work. While some writers take pride in having a narrow demographic, most technical communication will need to be read by large bodies, particularly students and employees. Still, the writer should recognize that imparting too much of a story distracts from the main purpose of a technical piece: education. Writers must balance their writing with authority, avoiding conceitedness by encouraging the reader to engage in the text, even if it is something as mundane as an everyday report.
When I look at the graph of key concepts in technical writing, I gravitate to "creative". This is probably not the most original connection, but when it comes to anything requiring thought, I usually focus on words like "innovate", "create", "think", and "analyze". Writing is ultimately a personal endeavor: we might share our works, but we always write alone. Not to paint writing as a lonely hobby: it is simply a personal experience that always starts with the individual. Even if I am writing something factual or analytical, as a writer, it is also my responsibility to keep my reader awake. Soporifics in writing mark me as a writer who does not care about improving her craft, though the snoring reader won't even bother thinking of me or my words as they dream. Simply put, I want to create, and I want to create something well.
Comments
Post a Comment