“Anyone Can Write”: Changing Roles for Technical Communicators

This podcast is a recording of a presentation I gave to students at the Missouri State University technical writing conference on April 23, 2010. With this presentation, because the audience was students, I focused mainly on the changing roles technical communicators are playing. My basic premise is that many IT environments have an assumption that “anyone can write.” Because of this assumption, technical writers are changing their roles, becoming hybrids with additional skill sets, or moving beyond the basics of writing in order to provide both value and find fulfillment.

Johnson, Tom H. I'd Rather Be Writing (2010). Presentations>TC>Writing>Technical Writing

Full-Employment Legislation for Technical Writers  

Most of us view government regulations negatively. Yet they provide a multitude of opportunities for technical writers. What are these opportunities? Where are they? How can you take advantage of them? A chance opportunity knocked on the author's door. Her experience can guide you to find and knock on opportunity's door.

Dean, Carolyn. STC Proceedings (1993). Presentations>TC>Legislation>Technical Writing

Technical Communication Careers: Getting Started and Finding Your Niche

Tomorrow I’m driving up to BYU Idaho to give a presentation titled “Technical Communication Careers: Getting Started and Finding Your Niche.” Below are the “slides” for my presentation.

Johnson, Tom H. I'd Rather Be Writing (2010). Presentations>TC>Technical Writing

What Do Technical Writers Do?  

Information session, suitable for general audience. (40 slides)

Walsh, Tina K. Read Pen Inc. (2004). Presentations>TC>Writing>Technical Writing