GEC 324: TECHNICAL

COMMUNICATION

Lecturers:
Omega semester Session
Prof. Sanjay Misra
(2020/2021)
Engr. Etinosa Noma-Osaghae
Mrs. Ebere Owuama
 Blended Learning

Coursera course:

Technical Writing

https://www.coursera.org/learn/technical-writing/home/welcome
 Course Content
Fundamentals of Communication: Definition and Strategies

Model and Types of Communication

Technical writing: Elementary Principles

Writing Ethics, cultures and citation

Technical Report writing: Types, principles and reasons

Listening: Principles for effective listening
Speaking in Public: Audience, Research and Presentation
Reading Skills; Leadership in communication

Proposal Writing and Manual Report Organization

Advertisement: Mode and Types

Revision
FUNDAMENTALS OF
COMMUNICATION: DEFINITION AND
STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION
Communication
This is the transmission of information in the
form of words, images, and sound between
two parties, the sender and the receiver
(recipient).

Communication can be: Verbal or Written.

List different channels of

achieving oral or written
communication?
Email, letter, proposal, report,
INTRODUCTION CONT’
Communication must be designed with audience
and purpose in mind.
Therefore, without a word there cannot be an effective
communication.

The three key factors for an effective communication

are:
Knowing what you are communicating
(the information, your expertise);
You must thoughtfully consider who you
are communicating to (your audience);
Why you are communicating (the purpose).
 TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
What is Technical communication?
Technical: This is the act of involving skill to do a
work.
In this concept Technical is involving skill in
Science And Engineering Works.
Communication: This is the act of sharing ideas
through the use of Words.
Technical communication can be defined as the
process of conveying usable information about a
specific domain to an intended audience.
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION CONT
Focus is majorly on products and services
(such as: manufacturing, marketing,
management, delivery, and usage.

The goal of technical communication is to

transmit important information as effectively
and efficiently as possible.

This information enables people to do their

jobs efficiently thereby increasing
productivity.
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION CONT

Technical writers always work

collaboratively
to create deliverables and products such
as:
- User manual
- Technical manual
- Product specifications
- Process and procedure manuals
- Training
 TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION CONT
As Engineers, we must be able to communicate
within our teams and also communicate complex
information to a variety of audiences with different
knowledge backgrounds.

Example:
Assume you are working in an engineering,
biomedical equipment manufacturing, automotive,
computer software development, or other industry.

Your job could be to write user manuals that explain

the steps for building a piece of equipment,
performing preventative maintenance, or for
shipping and handling procedures.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONAND
TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC CLASSES?

TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC WRITING TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION

The writing classroom Similar principles;
tends to be about the Organizing
demonstration of paragraphs
knowledge; effectively, following
the writing process
Expanding on ideas An increased focus on
Documenting an the professional context
understanding of for communicating
traditional types of papers information
or essays (explanatory, More emphasis on
concision, clarity, and
argumentative, reflective) accessibility.
The audience happens to Not limited to writing,
be the instructor. allows the use of visuals
presentation: videos, info-
INITIALIZING A COMMUNICATION
To start a communication the following must
be considered:
Objective
Reason
Place
Medium
Structure
Recipient
Timing
Details
COMMUNICATION: FOUR WHEELS

SENSIBLE

RELATING COMMUNICATION VISIONING

INVENTING
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
This is the process of analyzing the
situation of a thing/ an event so as to
determine what should to be done.
Strategy involves understanding:
Purpose
Audience
Credibility
Cultural context
Clarifying the audience
MODE/ DIMENSION OFCOMMUNICATION

Communication is multidimensional or
multidirectional. There are various
directions in which it flows.

Covenant University as a typical example

MODE/ DIMENSION OFCOMMUNICATION
Upward: is to supply information to the upper levels
about what is happening at the lower levels.
Downward: Information is passed from
management to lower levels.
Lateral: communication takes place between two or
more persons who are subordinates working under
the same person, or those who are working on the
same level.
Quasi-vertical: communication among persons at
different levels who have no direct reporting
relationships.
Formal: communication that is normally control
led by managers or people occupying similar
positions in an organization.
A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF A CU COMMUNICATION FLOW
CU_Management/ Vice Chancellor

Deputy Vice-
Chaplain Chancellor Registrar

Dean Member of Student Affair (DSA) DAPU

Chaplaincy

Directors HODs

Lecturers Exam Level Advisers Time-table

Officers officers

Students Students Students Students

Students Students Students Students

EXAMPLE OF DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION
STAGES INVOLVED IN ANEFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION HAS FIVE DISTINCT

STAGES:
- SOURCE
- INFORMATION
- MEDIUM
- RECIPIENT
- FEEDBACK
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
Written communication Oral communication
channels channels
E-mail Leading meetings
Memos Conducting interviews
Letters Making sales calls
Reports Managing others
Proposals Participating in teleconferences
and videoconferences
Fliers Facilitating training sessions
Brochures Participating in collaborative team
projects
Faxes Providing customer service
Internet Web sites Making telephone calls
GOALS OF COMMUNICATION

1. To Inform - You are providing information for use in

decision making, but aren‟t necessarily advocating a
course of action.

2. To Request - For a specific action by the receiver

3.To Persuade - To reinforce or change a receive's belief

about a topic and, possibly, act on the belief

4.To Build Relationships - Some messages you send may

have the simple goal of building good-will between you
and the receiver
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
1. Achieves shared understanding

2. Directs the flow of information

3. Helps people overcome barriers to

open discussion

4. Stimulates others to take action to achieve

goals

5. Channels information to encourage

people to think in new ways and to work
more effectively.
FEATURES OF COMMUNICATION

All communication has five clearly

identifiable features :
(a) It is meaning-based.
(b) It is conventional.
(c) It is appropriate.
(d) It is interactive.
(e) It has a structure.
SUMMARY: WHY IS COMMUNICATION IMPORTANT?

Importance of technical communication:

The National Commission on Writing concluded
that “in today‟s workplace writing is a „threshold
skill‟ for hiring and promotion among salaried
employees.

Survey results indicate that writing is a ticket

to professional opportunity, while poorly
written job
applications are a figurative kiss of death”
(“Writing:
A Ticket to Work” 2007).

Technical communication is a significant

 IMPORTANCE FROM BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Through technical correspondence, employees

• Maintain good customer relationships (client relations, follow-up
letters).
• Ensure that work is accomplished on time (directive memos or e-
mail).
• Provide documentation that work has been completed (progress
reports).
• Generate income (sales letters, brochures, and fliers).
• Keep machinery working (user manuals).
• Ensure that correct equipment is purchased (technical
descriptions).
• Participate in teleconferences or videoconferences (oral
communication).
• Get a job (resumes).
• Define terminology (online help screens).
IMPORTANCE FROM EXAMINATION PERSPECTIVE

Conception of the message

Encoding the message
Selection of method to use
Decoding the message
Interpreting the message
Supply of feedback
GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVECOMMUNICATION
1. Clarity of Purpose
2. Shared Activity
3. Focus on the Needs of the Receiver
4. Use Feedback
5. Active Listening
6. Control Emotions
7. Politeness
8. Eliminate Noise
9. Clarify Assumptions
10. Avoid Connotations and Ambiguities
11. Socio-psychological Aspect
12. Completeness
13. Conciseness
14. Proper Use of Body Language
ASSIGNMENT
1)Give five different definition of
communication with references
2)Highlight ten examples of communication
via:
Machine to Machine
Machine to People
People to People
3)Differentiate between collaboration and
silo -building.
4)Give the disadvantages of individuals
and departments that act as “silo-