In this issue, we list the finalists in the Technical Communicator category of this year's Plain English Awards, and introduce some new sponsors. We explore the TCBoK: what it is, why we have it, how you can use it. We revisit your "what I do" pitch for those spring and summer parties, and in a new series exploring career change, we take a look at what's involved in switching from journalism to technical communication. And we finish with a round-up of glittering articles from all around the internet in Let's Tech Communicate .

From the President

Today I'm celebrating the finalists in the Plain English Awards - particularly those who are seeking to be PETC 2015. I'm also urging those of you who haven't renewed your membership of TechCommNZ to remind yourself of the benefits. I'm praising our sponsors to the skies. And... I'm inviting everyone to the annual AGM (Annual General Meeting), which we're holding in Auckland this year.

Read more...

Do we Need a Technical Communication Body of Knowledge?

A Body of Knowledge (BoK) is the set of concepts, terms and activities that broadly define a profession. The BoK is often compiled by the relevant professional society. In this article, Steve Moss explains the origins and purpose of our TCBoK.

Read more...

Perfect Your Party Pitch

You’re at an industry event and you bump into a former colleague you haven’t seen in years. She smiles and enthusiastically asks you what you’re doing now. You open your mouth, and then pause. How on earth do you start to explain your job?

Read more...

Career Transitioning: For ex-Journalists, Flexibility is Key

Over the coming months, we will be exploring the challenges and opportunities for professionals who want to switch careers and enter the field of technical communication. In this first article, Tim Grey (ex-journalist) interviews Cindy Staudt (ex-programme leader, Graduate Diploma of Information Design) about what it takes to transition from Journalism to Technical Communication.

Read more...

Let's Tech Communicate

In this issue we find out some of the issues DITA can solve for businesses, take a look at everything science knows about reading on screen, get some tips of creating memorable business presentations, and find out how Tall Man lettering is making drugs safer. This and a whole lot more from around the Net.

Read more...