Technical communications:
making the world just a little bit clearer

This pamphlet introduces the Toronto chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC). This international professional organization supports the efforts of all branches of technical communication. The Toronto chapter is one of the largest and most active in North America, with more than 575 members.

What is technical communication?

Technical communication involves delivering information, typically information that does not originate in the head of the writer, to a target audience for a specific purpose. “Technical” doesn’t have to mean “information technology”, though our members work in a variety of industries, including hardware, software, finance, government, medicine, manufacturing, law, transportation, and telecommunications, to name just a few.

Who joins the STC?

All kinds of people belong to the STC:

• writers, editors, illustrators, document designers, educators and managers, working either on contract or for companies and organizations
• students of technical communication or other would-be technical writers
• people who are interested in technical communication.

What kinds of things do technical communicators get paid to do?

We develop all kinds of materials, for print or online presentation. Our job typically requires us to:

• gather information from the experts
• analyze the audience and purpose of a document
• decide how best to present and organize information
• design the document’s appearance
• define a document set to address the needs of different users
• ensure the accuracy and completeness of information
• identify diagrams that can help convey information visually.

We may also:

• test documents or procedures for ease of use and accuracy
• design and deliver training courses
• ensure the professional quality of materials
• manage a group of writers
• convert information from print to online format (or vice versa)
• work with illustrators, editors, and other writers.

What might I have seen that a technical communicator produced?

The work of technical communicators is everywhere. If you’ve seen one of the following items, you’ve probably seen the work of a technical communicator:

• user guides
• brochures
• online help files
• training manuals
• procedure manuals
• white papers
• proposals
• Web pages
• presentations
• product demonstrations

How often does the chapter meet?

Each month (September through June) we hold a general meeting for members and guests. Meetings typically feature a guest speaker or panel discussion on a specific topic. Meetings also give people a chance to network with each other and catch up on chapter and industry news. For the speakers and topics scheduled for future meetings, check our web site.

How do I find out more?

• Come to one of our monthly meetings, held in the North York Memorial Community Centre (Burgundy Room), one floor below the North York Civic Centre. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
• See our Web site for up-to-the-minute information on the chapter and its activities.
• Contact our Membership Manager at membership@stctoronto.org.

What does the chapter do?

In addition to our monthly meetings, we sponsor a variety of activities throughout the year:

• a wine & cheese social event
• Professional Development events presenting seminars of interest to members
• volunteer opportunities that help members make contact with potential mentors
• a print and online document competition, with winning entries going on to regional competitions.

Our monthly newsletter, written by and for the Toronto membership, is packed with news and information.

Our popular web site, www.stctoronto.org, features:

• a widely-used, specialized job bank for permanent and contract positions in the GTA
• details of upcoming meetings and events
• links to sites of interest to technical communicators
• contact information for STC-related issues.