Technical Communications

1
Technical Communications

• Definition to efficiently evaluate, interpret
  and package relevant data for people to
  understand information and take action on it.
• User-friendly
• Concise
• Logically structured
• Opinions and personal style Ok as long as it does
  not usurp the delivery of accurate information

2
Technical Communications

• Need for cultural sensitivity see note from the
  North American Association of Food Manufacturers
  Going Global? Plan for Communication Barriers
  NAFEM News - June 1999

3
Oral Presentations

• N
• Big three questions to ask yourself
• Who is my audience?
• What is my purpose?
• What are the best means I can use to reach them?

4
Oral Presentations

• N
• Audience
• In terms of people How many demographics
  hobbies/non-business interests age
• In terms of the forum-style (board meeting
  professional convention, etc.)
• If you dont know for sure how technical your
  audience is, use language that would be
  understandable to a general audience in your
  field

5
Oral Presentations

• N
• Purpose
• Write out in 2-3 sentences who do you want to
  know/do what and why? (see bottom of 555

6
Oral Presentations

• N
• Tips
• Dont overdo the use of color or special effects
• Do not speak to your visual aid (chalkboard or
  otherwise) rather than your audience
• Speak slowly
• Display one point per visual
• Maintain eye contact
• Adjust tone, volume and rate
• Insert humor periodically
• Stick to your plan
• Leave listeners with something to remember

7
Oral Presentations

• N
• Tips
• use acronyms, catchy phrases, and rhyming words
  in your titles/headers.
• if you use a handout with fill-in blanks have
  people fill in key words and leave white space or
  lines for people to add their own notes