Unit 1 Introduction To Technical Communication.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Technical Communication.

Communication is the exchange of thoughts, message or information , as by speech ,visuals,
signals, writing, or behavior.
Derived from the Latin word communis, meaning to share. Communication requires a sender,
a message, and a recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the senders
intent to communicate at the time of communication ; thus communication can occur across
vast distance in time and space. Communication requires that the communicating parties share
an area of communicative commonality. The communication process is complete once the
receiver has understood the message of the sender.
Technical Communication would mean a communication specific to the sender and the
recipient and both would be from the same field of knowledge. This communication may not be
understood by any others in the sense that the messages passed across are in a language that
can be understood by persons from once field of knowledge. Here the importance subset of
such a communication. Technical Communication is the flow or exchange of information within
people or group of people sharing a common platform of similar knowledge or people from the
same field with or without the technical knowledge.
Means of Communication
1. Verbal Communication: Spoken and pictorial languages can be described as a
system of symbols (sometimes as known lexemes) and the grammars (rules) by which
the symbols are manipulated. The word language also refers to common properties of
languages. Language learning normally occurs most intensively during human
childhood. Most of the thousands of human languages use patterns of sound or gestures
for symbols which enable communication with others around them. Languages seem to
share certain properties although many of these include exceptions. There is no defined
line between a language and a dialect. Constructed languages such as Esperanto,
programming languages and various mathematical formalisms are not necessarily
restricted to the properties shared by human languages.
Communication should also include the display of text, Braille, tactile communication, large
print, accessible multimedia, as well as written and plain language, human reader,
augmentative and alternative modes, means and formats of communication, including
accessible information and communication technology.
Manipulative Communications are intentional and unintentional ways of manipulating words,
gestures, etc. to get what we want , by demeaning, discounting, attacking or ignoring
instead of respectful interaction. Sarcasm , criticism, rudeness and swearing are examples.
2. Non Verbal Communication: A variety of verbal and non-verbal means of
communicating exists such as body language, eye contact, sign language. Nonverbal
communication describes the process of conveying meaning in the form of non word
messages. Research shows that the majority of our communication includes chronemics
(use of time) , haptics (using the sense of touch),gesture, body language or posture;
facial expression and eye contact, object communication such as clothing , hairstyles,
architecture, symbols infographics, and tone of voice as well as through an aggregate of
the above.
Speech also contains nonverbal elements known as paralanguage. These include voice
lesson quality, emotion and speaking style as well as prosodic features such as rhythm,
intonation and stress. Likewise, written texts include nonverbal elements such as
handwriting style, spatial arrangement of words and the use of emoticons to convey
emotional expression in pictorial form.
3 Oral communication : Oral communication, while primarily referring to spoken verbal
communication, can also employ visual aids and non verbal elements to support the
discussion, and aspects of interpersonal communication. As a type of face-to face
communication, body language and choice tonality play a significant role, and may have
communication also garners immediate feedback.
Historic Stages in Written Communication:
1. Pictograms in the form of stone graphics hence immobile.
2. Written form on papyrus, paper, clay tablets. Introduction of common alphabets and also
the invention of printing in the 15
th
century made the written form a very strong means.
3. Transfer of information through controlled waves and electronic signals.
Effective Communication
All communication, intentional or unintentional, have some effect. This effect may not be
always in communicators favor or as desired by him or her. Communication that produce
the desired effect or result is effective communication. It results in what the communicator
wants. Effective communication generates the desired effect, maintain effect & increase
effect. Effective communication serves its purpose for which it was planned or designed.
The purpose could be to generate action, inform, create understanding or communicate a
certain idea/point etc. Effective communication also ensures that message distortion does
not take place during the communication process.
Barriers in Effective Communication:
1 Physical Barriers
2 System Barriers
3 Attitudinal Barriers
4 Ambiguity words and Phrases
5 Individual Linguistic Barriers
6 Knowledge Barriers
7 Physiological Barriers
8 Presentation of Information Barriers
Various Mediums of Communications and their relevance to Professional Practice:
1. Drawings
2. Letters.
3. Tenders and Contracts
4. Bills
5. Computer Presentation including Slide Shows, Power Point Presentation, Walkthroughs,
Perspectives, Graphical Presentation etc.
6. Writes ups and Synopsis.
7. Questionnaire.
8. Drawing Presentation
9. Lectures
10. Black Board or White Board Presentation.
Skills to be acquired for Effective Presentation:
Reading.
Writing.
Conversations.
Languages Mastery or Linguistic Skills.
Multilinguistic Skills.
Public Speaking.
Good Dress Sense and Effective Body Language
Knowledge of Subject.
Software Skills.
Drawing Skills.
Structure in Communication.


Sessional Work
1. Write a 500 word essay on Technical Communication
2. Write a Essay on How Effective Technical Communication can be handled by an
Architect and What Are The Various Modes or Materials or Methods He or She Can Use
For The Same?