Distinction between General and Technical communication

General Communication:

1. Audience: General communication is intended for a broad audience that may consist of people from diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise. The audience may include the general public, colleagues, friends, or family members.
2. Purpose: General communication focuses on conveying information, ideas, opinions, or emotions in a broad and non-specialized manner. It may involve casual conversations, social interactions, storytelling, or expressing personal thoughts.
3. Language: The language used in general communication is typically informal, conversational, and may include colloquial expressions, slang, or cultural references. It is tailored to suit the understanding and familiarity of the general audience.
4. Complexity: General communication often deals with everyday topics or common experiences. The content is usually less technical or specialized and does not require in-depth knowledge or expertise in a particular field.
5. Structure: General communication does not follow a rigid structure or specific formatting guidelines. It allows for more flexibility in terms of organization and presentation style. It may include personal anecdotes, digressions, or informal language elements.

Technical Communication:

1. Audience: Technical communication targets a specific audience that typically includes professionals, experts, or individuals with specialized knowledge or interest in a particular technical subject. The audience may consist of engineers, scientists, technicians, or other professionals working in technical fields.
2. Purpose: Technical communication serves the purpose of conveying complex technical information, instructions, procedures, or concepts related to specific fields such as technology, science, engineering, or industry-specific topics. It aims to facilitate understanding, collaboration, and effective communication within technical domains.
3. Language: The language used in technical communication is formal, precise, and specific to the subject matter. It avoids ambiguity, jargon, or unnecessary complexity. Technical terms and industry-specific vocabulary are commonly used, but explanations or definitions may be provided to assist non-expert readers.
4. Complexity: Technical communication deals with specialized, technical, or scientific topics that require a deeper level of understanding and expertise. It often involves complex concepts, theories, diagrams, or calculations that may require specialized knowledge or training.
5. Structure: Technical communication follows a structured approach and typically adheres to specific formatting guidelines. It emphasizes clarity, organization, and logical flow of information. It may include headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, diagrams, or visual aids to enhance comprehension and facilitate navigation.
6. Documentation Tools: Technical communication often involves the use of specialized software, tools, or platforms for creating, editing, and presenting technical documents. This includes word processors, graphic design software, screen recording tools, or content management systems.
7. Compliance with Standards: Technical communication may need to adhere to specific standards, style guides, or industry-specific guidelines. This ensures consistency, accuracy, and effective communication within a specific domain or industry.