Technical Communication: Translating Ideas into Impact
- JESSIE FELTON
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Technical communication became one of the most valuable skills I developed during my time in the IDS program, something I hadn’t initially expected. While I’ve always considered myself a decent writer, I didn’t fully understand the difference between academic writing and technical communication until I found myself having to translate complex ideas for specific audiences, create visual content, and work collaboratively on professional documents. As I progressed through different courses and projects, I learned how to adapt my language, format, and tone based on who I was writing for and what message I needed to deliver. This skill was strengthened through three key artifacts: my infographic project, my book review of Daniel H. Pink’s Drive, and the business plan I helped develop for The Design Table.
The first moment I began to understand what technical communication really meant was during my infographic project in English 307T: Writing for the Professions. I was tasked with taking research and presenting it in a way that was visually engaging and easy for a general audience to understand. That meant thinking not just about what to say, but how to say it using design, layout, color, and clarity. I had to trim down complicated content to its essential points, organize it in a logical visual format, and make sure the final result was both informative and aesthetically pleasing. It was the first time I’d created something that felt like a real product, something that could be shared in a workplace or public setting. That project taught me how much impact clear, visual communication can have and showed me how to think about my work from the audience’s perspective.
That lesson was reinforced during my book review of Daniel H. Pink’s Drive. This project wasn’t just a summary, I had to analyze the book’s key points, connect them to my own experiences, and communicate those reflections in a structured, thoughtful way. One of the biggest takeaways from the book was Pink’s emphasis on autonomy, mastery, and purpose as key motivators in both life and work. Writing this review pushed me to explain these concepts in a way that was accessible while still meaningful. I also had to integrate direct quotes, follow formatting guidelines, and maintain a professional tone throughout. This helped me become more confident in my ability to blend technical accuracy with personal insight, something that I know will be essential in any administrative or leadership role.
The third major artifact that helped shape this skill was my work on The Design Table business plan. This was a collaborative assignment where I was responsible for writing and editing several sections of the plan, including service descriptions and marketing strategy. It was the most formal, business-oriented writing I had done at that point. I had to ensure that my sections matched the tone and format of the overall document, used clear and persuasive language, and presented our ideas in a way that would appeal to potential stakeholders. Working with a group also challenged me to revise my writing based on feedback and to make sure that every sentence served a clear purpose. Through this process, I gained a deeper appreciation for how writing is used in the professional world, not just to share information, but to influence decisions and convey value.
Together, these three artifacts reflect my progress in understanding what it means to communicate effectively and professionally. Technical communication is about more than just good grammar or strong vocabulary, it’s about getting the message across in the most efficient and appropriate way possible. Whether that means simplifying data for a visual graphic, analyzing ideas in a formal review, or pitching a business concept through a proposal, I now have the tools and awareness to adjust my communication to fit the situation.
This skill has already shown up in my work experience and will continue to be essential as I move into the field of business administration. Clear, strategic communication is at the core of leadership, collaboration, and decision-making. Thanks to these projects and courses, I feel ready to write with purpose and adapt my message to any audience I’m serving.
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