In the workplace, there is a variety of situations you need to write workplace documents such as progress reports, letters and directive memos. You may need to create more complex forms of communication such as oral and video presentations, proposals, instruction manuals, technical descriptions and Web pages. You may also need to research effectively, discuss about a technological innovation, negotiate in a global marketplace and consider the implications of the documents you or your employees produce.

Communication

Technical communication facilitates the communication of concepts to workers or customers, but may sometimes help you direct your employees in a particular course of action. You may want to have your workers understand the details of some technological system, or to take a particular action using that system. For example, if the workers in your bank are not properly posting deposits to accounts, you would instruct them on the correct practice by writing all the proper instructions.

Cost

It is important to understand technical communication because it can cost you a lot of money that may go to waste if not properly used. According to a study by Dartnell’s Institute of Business Research, it may cost you almost $20 to produce and mail a letter considering the time it takes a worker to write the letter and the cost of the paper, printing and stamp. The total cost of your company’s correspondence, such as e-mail, letters, memos, and reports is an expensive but necessary exercise.

Income Generation

Your communication skills may cost the company money but they can as well earn money since a well-drafted brochure, Web site, sales letter, flier, or proposal, can generate corporate income. A well-written newsletter or a thorough presentation to clients and stakeholders can keep customers happy and bring in new clients. In essence, good communication may help pay you or your workers’ wages.

Instruction

Technical communication helps in research and creation of information about technical processes or products targeting your workers through various forms of media, such as the Internet. For example, it may give instructions about computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations aiming at reaching your employees depending on the business you are dealing with. It uses technology, such as Web pages or social media sites and they provide instructions for products and services.

Customer-Client Relations

A successful business depends on how it builds up the ambiance, the attitude it expresses and the atmosphere it creates. When you communicate in a manner that enables people to understand you clearly, it produces a better place of work and encourages customers to enjoy doing more business with you and employees to work for you. Your technical communication indicates that you can think logically and communicate your thoughts clearly thus co-workers or customers will judge your proficiency according to what you say and how you say it.

Time

According to a survey by the National Commission on Writing, technical communication is important as it requires your attention, regardless of your profession. Some workers spend up to 30 percent of their time writing documents such as progress reports. Normally, you may spend more time directing your subordinates through written messages, in addition to communicating orally, while your new employees might spend less time writing as part of their work.