technical communication presentation for practical
- 1. Technical Communication Definition Communication that involves transfer or transmission of scientific or technical information from one individual or group to another. This exchange of information may include simple definition of tools, description of machines and processes, or sophisticated explanation and interpretation of scientific principles.
- 2. Major requirements for Technical Communicator: a. Subject competence b. Linguistic competence Analyse facts or information for clear presentation Use of proper rhetorical devices to present scientific data C. Organizational competence To be able to present data logically and in a structured manner Use of graphs diagrams systematically
- 3. Forms of Technical Communication: Verbal or oral: telephone, voice mails, teleconferencing, video- conferencing, etc. Immediate feedback Written: letters, memos, e-mails, etc.
- 4. General and Technical Communication Technical content: specific, formats or drafts Specialized vocabulary: terms and terminology Formal elements Objective Mainly factual Logically organized and structured Complex and important exposition techniques Specific audience
- 5. Technical communication Style: ABC of communication: A= accuracy B= brevity C= clarity
- 6. Accuracy Accuracy: correct information, check and re-check. (how to achieve accuracy?) a. Simple and precise words: Avoid difficult words or jargons: Technical jargon is fine but not too much Knowledge of confusing words
- 7. Example: Although all metals react with oxygen, their reactivity is different. Some metals, such as sodium and potassium, react with oxygen trenchantly. They ignite even if retained unenclosed in the air. Magnesium needs to be inflamed before it combines with oxygen. Once inflamed to an ignition temperature, magnesium ribbon blazes with fire, yielding intense heat and light.
- 8. Although all metals react with oxygen, their reactivity is different. Some metals, such as sodium and potassium, react with oxygen vigorously. They catch fire even if kept open in the air. Magnesium needs to be heated before it combines with oxygen. Once heated to an ignition temperature, magnesium ribbon burns with fire, producing intense heat and light.
- 9. Brevity: avoid wordiness, too many words not to be used Practice and revision of the text Precise writing helps and avoid repetition
- 10. Example: Write a precis of the passage given below: Blasting is a very significant process, which can be defined as a process where rock is broken into fragments for a remarkable purpose, that is, recovery of valuable ore. It cannot be denied that modern technology has led to the advent of modern earth moving and rock breaking equipment, but the advent of such sophisticated equipment has not diminished the value of explosives, which still remain the cheapest method of rock breaking. However, there is no doubt that rock breakage by explosives has a negative impact on the environment, resulting in certain negative environmental consequences. These negative environmental consequences include ground vibration, air- overpressure, noise, dust, and toxic fumes. (110 words)
- 11. Blasting is a process where rock is broken into fragments for recovery of ore. Despite the advent of modern earthmoving and rock breaking equipment, explosives still remain the cheapest method of rock breaking. However, rock breakage by explosives has environmental consequences, which include ground vibration, air- overpressure, noise, dust and toxic fumes. (54 words)
- 12. Clarity: objective should be clear for whom? And what? Why? How? Use direct language for clarity: no rhetoric or metaphorical language required. avoid sentences like: I will call you later. (date, time etc. missing) The product is of very good quality. (what standards?) He will meet you soon. (when?)
- 13. Objectivity: avoid use of personal pronouns Example: 1. We know that chemical reactions involve the breaking of bonds and the making of new ones. (Chemical reactions involve breaking of bonds and the making of new ones.) 2.We often need to supply energy to get the reaction going. (Energy is supplied to get the reaction going.)
- 14. Impersonal language: (Impersonal passive voice), racist or gender biased language to be avoided. They should have submitted the project report. (the project report should have been submitted.)