Responses to the 4 Reading Assignments

The STC Reading was about technical communicators and all of the different fields they work in. The article described technical communicators as having the “best of both worlds” because they interpret the information logically, then find a way to portray the information to others creatively. The technical communicators are found in every field, and they have a variety of skills. One of the important skills they require is the ability to know how to reach their audience. It is one of the fastest growing professions. Relating to technical writing in the field of medicine, I think one of the most important points is how to reach the audience. A doctor needs to be able to explain a lot of complicated information to his/her patient in very simple terms.

The Writers and Editors article was about the specific jobs of writers of all kinds (including technical) and their editors. Since this was mainly about authors and novelists and handbook writers (the technical writers) I didn’t see much relation, except for the fact that when doctors use new equipment, they have to be shown how to use the equipment properly. Therefore, the technical communicators would need to show the doctors effectively the proper use of the new technology.

The 3^rd article wouldn’t pull up on my computer due to a “problem loading the page.”

The 4^th article on ways to improve your technical writing is a very important article I think anybody should read if they have to accomplish any technical writing. A lot of times when I go to the doctor, and they explain their procedure or what the problem I have is, they will use a lot of words I don’t understand, and I am a biological science major! So I think a couple of pointers (to keep it simple, know your audience, use conversational tone, avoid big words, etc) were very important for the doctors to pick up on, so that they have better communication with their patients.