Definition of the Day: Technical Communications

2025.07.14

Definition: Technical Communications | tech·​ni·​cal com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion |  ˈtek-ni-kəl  kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən 

Noun

1a

: type of communication that is written to detail directions or instructions ; can include mixed media such as texts, illustrations, videos, or even DIY How-To zines.

: process of conveying complex technical information to a specific audience in a clear, concise, and accurate manner and in a way that is accessible, digestible, easy-to-understand, and without judgment.

1b

: the instructions for setting up a new appliance or furniture that appears difficult to read either because of the font size or a key step is missing that could put you at a safety risk.

2a

: a career field that provides information to users who need assistance to accomplish a defined goal or task. 

: a type of writing that requires technical knowledge or a deep interest in synthesizing multiple streams of information.

: a type of writing where you feel motivated to write clearer documentation or instructions for your audiences and without missing any key steps, guaranteeing the trust and safety of your customers.

A Simple, Technical Communication on How to Write Technical Communications:

  • First, set down the pen. Learn the product and, if possible, test it.
  • Read all your guides and keep reviewing them while you are on assignment. Guides include the dictionary, company in-house style guides, standardized style guides (i.e. AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style), accessibility best practices, and Federal Plain Text Guidelines. Don’t forget to ask your local marketer what dictionary he/she/they prefer!
  • Read the latest news and continue to keep updated on the cultural discourse (as often and as you can). Words are constantly evolving, and with that, new semantics.

Promoted: Writing technical communication also means mastering the language of grammar. Fortunately, with Grammarly AI, you can work with an AI writing partner that helps you find the words you need⁠—⁠to write that tricky email, to get your point across, to keep your work moving.

Scattered stacks of textbooks found on a sidewalk, with the titles The Chicago Manual of Style, The Best Punctuation Book, and, humorously, a chapbook called Why Editors Drink placed on top of the piles.

What do you think of Definition of the Day? Do you have any feedback or a new word to submit? Contact me at juliaisreading at aol dot com! I’m looking for new, creative definitions of “vacations” and “crash out” for future blog posts.