Technical and Professional Communication in Kenya video

TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY

Interview Questions

1.  Why did you choose to do Technical and Professional Communication and not the other Communication Courses?

Ans. My choice of TPC as a degree pursuit was strategic. I wanted a career that offers greatest opportunity for flexibility.

TPC is quite different from the other communication courses which are either

1. media-centered and are hinged heavily on journalism i.e Print and Electronic media.  Or

2. Marketing centred – PR and Advertising

With a TPC qualification I don’t rely on media houses entirely for my success nor boxed in one department in an organization. .

Tpc is beyond communication. In fact initially, TPC was under department of Languages and Arts - and not communications!

2.  Why did you take the course in Daystar and not in a public institution?

Ans. Daystar is the only university in sub-Saharan Africa that offers the course.  You may not believe it, were it not for TPC, my chances of knowing about Daystar were somewhat slim.

3.  What are the requirements for a form four leaver to take the course? Do you think that the requirements lock potential students out of taking the course?

Ans. Daystar requires one to have at least C+ overall and B- in English. I believe it is fair enough. Actually, in some universities in other countries the course is only offered as graduate or post graduate course!

I am sure there are also some remedial courses that can be done to bridge the gap

4.  According to you, do you think the word”Technical” makes students scared of taking the course?

Ans. There is likelihood but I have no hard proof. We have students taking technical subjects such as computer science, physics, mathematics, logistics, and economics here at Daystar without fear.

My take is that it confuses them since I have heard some say it is another “cool” name for electronic media

5.  What were the challenges you went through while taking the course in Daystar? In regards to teaching and gaining skills needed and exposure in the professional field?

Ans. The biggest was lack of local content, most texts, case studies, and illustrations were foreign and I kept wondering whether I was going to work in Kenya or abroad. Getting course units projected was a difficult since we were few. Another was being forced to take an internship (instead of just doing a senior project) yet few organisations understand the function- the organisation that took me in for internship posted me to their PR department!

6.  Is the course recognizable when one is applying for a job? Which fields of profession require one to have taken this course?

Ans. The paradox is that many organisations use technical communication without realising it. Technical communication is a broadband profession applicable across many industries however, only highly refined organisations recognize TPC.  So far NGOs are leading the way in the country with some having a full-fledged internal department or constantly advertising for consultants’ services openly eg Agra and LVC T..   

The question of high unemployment is real. Tpc offers wide prospects for self employment.

There are two approaches to TPC in the industry, 1. When members of any profession make attempts to communicate with lay people. 2. When trained technical communicators are recruited to intercede between the professions and lay people.

Technical communication also goes under different designations such as technical writer /editor, technical illustrator technical marketer, knowledge manager, documentation specialists. However, according to me the de la crème of our specialisation is in writing manuals and user guides for manufacturers.

7.  Is it easier to take the course after first taking a Diploma in the Technical field or not?

Ans. absolutely, however reading widely in all fields is a bonus since technical communication is multidisciplinary and cross disciplinary in nature. The more one knows in all subjects, the better a technical communicator they become.

8.  Do you feel that this course is underrated not just in Daystar but in Kenya as well, and why so?

Ans. Definitely. But much more in Kenya than in Daystar.  The society is yet to put a premium on good writing and documentation practices. Also underfunding of research impacts negatively on TPC – TPC draws a lot of is content from research papers and innovations

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9.  What can you do as an individual to help advance this course?

Ans. The question is not what I can do but rather what I am already doing- I work in a company that I started and which deals exclusively in offering technical communications services. Furthermore, I assist as much as possible the students who wish to understand the field. Just this September I came to Daystar Athi River (on invitation) and I gave a presentation to TPC students and answered their questions. I also have a blog on my firm’s website where I share experiences and thoughts on TPC in Kenya and beyond.

10.                   What would you advice Daystar as an institution to do to help improve how the course is perceived by potential students?  In regards to fees, lecturers and exposure to areas of employment? Etc

Ans. I guess there is basically little that can be done in terms of fees and lecturers since they are standard inputs.  Looking critically at it, TPC is a good bargain since it’s a double major at a price of one degree- if you check out the units you’ll notice some 500 level courses being part of the programme!  Nevertheless, I have never understood why we don’t have a brochure till now yet we designed one while I was a student

11.                   Would you consider taking a Masters and a PHD in the course?

Ans. Of course. However, I am not in a hurry because the degree itself is a professional qualification and it is serving me fine.  Later I would wish to teach and conduct research in the field- post graduate qualifications will come in handy.

12.                   1. What inspired you to undertake TPC as a major course?

Ans. I wanted (and still want) to advance technology or technical knowledge for development. Technical communication empowers me to participate in Africa’s industrialisation goals through translating ideas and dreams into concrete concepts, plans, and useable manuals. My view is that Africa’s growth is restricted not by lack of knowledge but lack of understanding.

13.                   .What was your biggest achievement in the technical practice subjects in school.

Ans.?? Designing PHP website was quite great.  Designing technical reports, as well speech wring.

14.                    How was this important to you as an individual? How have you benefitted professionally due to taking the course?

Ans. Earning this qualification has made me a professional communicator, critique, analyst, and writer. I can now discharge services with more confidence, ability, and profitability.

15.                    How have you embraced your skills with the current work opportunities that are available for this career?

Ans. Daystar’s TPC programme is very comprehensive and versatile. It equips one with diverse skills that makes a graduate well rounded and resourceful. I have been published by almost all major Newspapers and leading Magazines in Kenya.

I serve corporate clients by supplying them with quality communication products.

16.                   What's your advice for young individuals who are yet to join university and are not aware of TPC as a course?  Your advice for students who are hesitant about taking the course?

Ans. I am very practical when it comes to career matters. Career counselling must be initiated at all stages of education so that students are sensitised on opportunities available and what it takes to succeed in the careers.

TPC is a rigorous course and it stemmed out of writing. An ideal prospective TPC student or practitioner should have a strong liking for writing, for language, an inquisitive mind, an appreciation for both science and art, and love working hard.

SWOT ANALYSIS: TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION INDUSTRY IN KENYA (2016)

The difference between Messages and Information

Shared on LinkedIn on Aug 31, 2015

It’s interesting how most basic concepts are easily taken for granted by those who should be the experts. For instance, it shocked me to discover that the difference between what is understood to be a message and what is construed to be information was not as obvious as assumed by many communicators. Someone in a communication forum was even bold enough to proffer that the main difference is that, messages are delivered by messengers whilst information is delivered by informants! However, a more helpful differentiating way must exist; and one stride towards that end I found in an augmentation of the word message itself.

Media that is used in transmitting the signal, will determine whether the product results into a message or information. This is because messages unlike information don’t travel exclusively within the selected channels but rather also along them. This means when a communicator sends signals through a channel, for example using the television as the preferred medium, the receiver may draw other conclusions over that choice. The information being sent would, for example, be about the latest farming methods, but the receivers might still draw out a message such as: the communicator had a sizable budget and that’s why the preference of TV over cheaper other alternatives like the radio.

Still on medium, when a communicator is making an oral presentation, the body language is on the test. The audience is busy trying to confirm whether you the communicator -is saying what you are implying (or should be implying). Here is when messages are perceived as well as received, whereas information is only received.

Enumerability is a characteristic of messages.  We can count the messages that we send or receive. It is normal to speak of having received four messages yesterday and better still pieces of message. But, information is not countable. Therefore, we may encounter information overload- lots of information, or little information, but it is never- fifty informations!

Steered towards specific targets is commonly done for messages. This contrasts sharply with information which is availed to almost –everyone. Information may be all over, but we might not notice until we are in need of it. Communicators supply information packaged as directories, booklets, catalogs, brochures and web pages. Only interested audiences will actively seek information. Messages on their part seek out their audience who are usually very open to receive them. But a message can however be misdirected and when this happens, it sends out a message about the sender!

Symbolism cannot escape messages. Messages rely on symbols and symbolism unlike information. Information is most useful when packaged in an orderly manner. Information ascribes to rules of the language and conforms to conventions. However, messages are rather informal and unconventional. It is in messages that a communicator seeks feedback while in information they may only seek clarification. As mentioned before communicators may easily control the information they are delivering, but not so with the message since the later can send itself from the communicator even without the sender knowing! When you deliver an authoritative speech (but in a rather nervous voice) your information will affirm that you are a brave person, yet your voice will be sending the message that you aren’t. A communicator’s real task then becomes, not just sending the right information but also the right message(s).

Alerts are what messages are. In the typical workplace environment when an urgent need arises, what is sent out to concerned parties is not information [in real sense] but messages. It would be in the meeting that the information will be given. Messages are quite effective in provoking and evoking quick responses in the receiver whereas information is a slow and tolerant mode of communicating.

Gnomic is an attribute closely related to being enumerable. Messages by their nature tend to be short and rather sharp. In the modern times messages come to us through our emails and text prompts on our phones. This is quite a contrast from the past when written notes and emissaries were the main means of transmittal. Despite that, the characteristic of brevity still stands out in both times as a notable distinction. Although, information can be short, it better be long so that the recipients don’t complain about- getting insufficient information. It is always a lesser evil for a communicator to be accused of providing excess information than of providing less.  

Expiration happens to messages a lot. Messages are transient and quickly expire with time. If a message was sent alerting members of an appointment to be held at 10.00 am and it arrives to the receivers at 3.00 pm, it is no longer a message [in real terms], but it may still be archived as a record for reference purposes. Information on its part is enduring and would remain useful over long periods of time.

This simple sort-through is a worthwhile rung on which you as a communicator can step upon when confronted unexpectedly with the random challenge of having to differentiate the two important outputs of your profession. I hope from this information, you’ve gotten the vital message.

Technical and Professional Communication: Another door in Communication

This June, I am graduating from Daystar with a Bachelor of Arts in Technical and Professional Communication (TPC).  It has been both an exciting and a challenging journey. It has been four years that came with lots of learning experiences.  I have discovered myself intellectually, spiritually, and socially; and now ready for the new beginning.

So where is my qualification taking me? Well for a start, I have already registered my own consultancy and started marketing my services to potential clients with positive responses. Going the entrepreneurial way is a personal preference and it does not mean that I cannot join an organization in the future. 

TPC offers a graduate many working options. One can choose to work full time in an organization. The field is no longer unfamiliar to employers. More organizations, especially in the Non-Governmental and Community Based sectors, are openly recruiting technical communicators to work in their in-house departments. These organizations include Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), LVCT Health, and Sanergy.  Also some government agencies are jumping on board. For example the Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) has a technical writer in its ranks. A graduate may also opt to work part time; there is an opportunity to work as a freelance professional writer; and the final option is go into consultancy.

The Daystar TPC programme is comprehensive and provides what employers are looking for. This means it opens doors for the graduate to work either in the government, nonprofit or the private sector. It also allows one to select an area for personal specialization. For instance, it is possible to write exclusively on finance, health, education, farming, ICT, aviation, and even media. However, it is also possible to combine several industries.

TPC does not lock a graduate into performing one line of work. Other specialization options will be found in the areas of marketing, documentation and advocacy. Under marketing, the graduate is employed in technical marketing and develops catalogues, and user and assembly manuals for a company. As a documentation expert, a TPC graduate writes the success stories of the organization to be published in their newsletters and press releases. They may also provide technical illustrations if they are good at it. Then in advocacy, there is an opportunity to influence opinions and policy in the civic engagements. In fact some scholars have argued that Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai succeeded in her Green Belt Movement activities because she utilized technical communications (Grabtree and Sapp, 2005.)

Translation, and content development and strategy are other areas of practice. A technical communicator with knowledge of another language will be most sought out to assist organizations in translating their documents. Content is a valuable asset to many organizations and technical communicators are the practitioners with the skills for creating, packaging and disseminating this resource expertly. 

It is this flexibility, as well as room for innovation and structured creativity, that makes this profession an enviable career choice. Working in this field empowers one to work with professionals from diverse fields and design their technical content in simpler and audience friendly form. There is also the other plus of being media house independent. Technical communicators work for any organization and are not limited to media houses as their only employers. This opens the doors to communication graduates who want to work in the broad world.

Daystar University has a TPC programme that ensures its graduates have the relevant skills to competently operate the tools and technology that produce world class technical communication products. And it is the only Institution of higher learning with this course approved by Commission of Higher Education (CHE) in Kenya. Now you understand why I am facing the future with a lot of determination and confidence.

This article appears in Daystar’s publication Connect  June 2015 pg 23

The role of the technical communicator

Source: Document Point 2015

‘ENEMIES’ OF TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION IN KENYA

Technical Communication has a crucial role to play in our country’s development agenda. This is because it facilitates sharing of complex concepts, ideas and information in a simplified way. This helps people understand how to use products, services, technology as well as the existing business and government policies and regulations. The adage, information is power, draws heavily from this profession

There is technical communication in every corner of the economy regardless which direction we choose look. It exists in government, private sector and in the non-profit sectors. It’s also in our varied industries such as Agricultural, Health, Education, Finance and Manufacturing. Then, it is indispensable in research and advocacy. It manifest openly in the numerous reports, proposals, and manuals produced annually. It is essentially, a part of our daily lives.

Given that this field does not attempt to make products and organizations look good than they actually are, puts it on a high ethical pedestal. This naturally makes it attract subtle antipathy from ‘not so transparent’ players in the economy. Therefore, from organizations and government departments that wish to conceal information to bush-league enterprises that produce and sell unstandardized goods and services, technical communication is not appreciated. Despite this unfriendliness, its principles of honesty, completeness and purposefulness remain its most invaluable characteristic.

This profession is suffocating in Kenya because of many unsupportive and dishonest subject matter experts who refuse to provide all the required and relevant information. This is worsened by laws that indefinitely classify public information as confidential. Furthermore, there are the unprofessional researchers and analysts who create data and facts from their imagination. Then, we have the many irresponsible policy makers who want grand development plans written for aesthetic reasons but without the intention nor the possibility for implementation. 

Technical communication is not being adequately utilized in civic education to sensitize the people of their rights as enshrined in the constitution. Therefore, members of parliament will still believe their work is to initiate development projects in their villages. It is not used adequately to provide an accurate understanding on how the Uwezo fund can benefit the women and youth by giving the targeted groups researched viable projects that they can engage in as to enable them repay the loans and post  decent profits.

It is not used to show how the government is creating jobs, fighting poverty or explain the actual benefits of the standard gauge rail road. For instance, exactly how many jobs will be created, of which cadres are they, how much will they earn, how will they be distributed along the route and are they permanent or temporary? How far have we gone with vision 2030 and what contingency measures are we taking as a country to counter the delays in achieving the goals? 

Additionally, it is not being used in journalism to ask politicians and opinion leaders hard questions concerning their campaign promises and their political ideologies nor to give deep analysis of financial and economic news or reports. 

Then there are the increasing phenomena of suboptimal commercial enterprises sprouting in the country. For instance, how does a qualified technical communicator assist Murugu Herbal Clinic write quality user instructions for their ‘medicines’? 

And how do the regulators in the health sector allow ‘medicines’ and products without labels specifying clearly their ingredients, dosage, side effects and production processes and procedures to be marketed openly. How do such enterprises aspire to obtain patents and intellectual property rights as well as an export market without professionally written documentation in the 21 century?

LINKS TO TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION RESOURCES

You have been wishing to know more about technical communication, worry no more.

Here are crucial links to resources that help you understand many aspects of the field,

be it from an academic angle- helping you write a paper on technical communication;

a professional angle – assisting you understand work place challenges and skills;

or just a general perspective to have an idea what the field is all about.

algonquincollege.com

klarity.com

fidphd.com

idratherbewriting.com

intercom.stc.org

orange.eserver.org

rhetoric.eserver.org

tcworld.info

techcommunicators.com

techwhirl.com

Be informed