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 Technical Communication Resources

Go to Technical Communication Resources Index. |Go to David Tuffley's Home Page.
Go to CIT Home Page. | Go to Griffith University Home Page.

Introduction

Raw data put into transmittable form - can be words pictures and/program code.

Using language - generally Ieft to chance to learn sufficient skills.

Mainframe - in the past, programmers didn’t need to communicate much with users. Today, they do.

Working with others - cooperative teams to produce best possible product, on time and at best price. Good teamwork is based on clear communication.

1. Shannon & Weaver’s model of communication

Writer: When we communicate we do more than just throw ideas into the void.

Reader: I don’t understand. Surely Shannon & Weaver’s model implies just that, the ideas flow along the communication channels and are picked up. (1)

Reader: Yes, but there is more to them than just being picked up. The received takes them in and examines them in some way before making a response. (2)

Writer: That would be the sort of response where he might show that he did or didn’t understand the idea? (3)

Reader:Yes; or understood it imperfectly in some way. There are a whole range of possible responses. (4)

Writer: Such as anger, agreement, happiness or sadness, depending on how he felt about the message. (5)

Reader: Exactly, I’m happy to see that you now understand what I’m trying to say to you. (6)

(1) The Reader receives a message and asks for clarification.

(2) The Writer offers clarification and presents more information.

(3) The Reader takes this into account, then offers his own formulation of the message.

(4) The Writer encourages by suggesting that there might be further considerations.

(5) The Reader suggests what those further considerations might be, and implicitly asks ‘have I got it right?’

(6) Agreement is reached that they now understand each other, and the Reader is encouraged for his perceptiveness.

 

 

2. De Fleur’s model of communication

 

 

Noise (interference) can be introduced anywhere in the cycle.

 

 

3. Stanton’s model of communication

 

 

Stanton encodes the message and sent it via the usual channels. The message is received and then decoded. A good communicator will choose the code well (recipient has no trouble decoding the message). Understanding is confirmed by feedback.

Noise (interference) can occur anywhere in the cycle.

 

Go to Technical Communication Resources Index. | Go to David Tuffley's Home Page.
Go to CIT Home Page. | Go to Griffith University Home Page.