Technical writing involves more than simply the “nuts and bolts” of preparing a good report. Good technical writing must be an effective communication, and in order for the writer (source) to obtain the desired response from the reader (receiver), he must have a clear conceptualization of the communication process. He must realize that the source, the message, the channel, and the receiver are important variables that influence the success of technical communication. The technical writer must be aware of the “filter” stages the receiver moves through before ultimately making a response to the message. The technical writer who creates a proper meld of the basics of good technical writing with an understanding of the communication process can produce an effective technical communication.

Communication research has not fully come to grips with the important role of receiver control over message content and treatment within a communication event. The assumption seems to be that source success depends upon source credibility, selection of the right channel, and use of certain cognitive approaches. However, receiver motivational factors predispose the receiver to respond in a particular manner to a particular message. If the source hopes to elicit a specifically desired response, he must fashion his message content and treatment so as to identify with receiver motivational predispositions within the particular communication event.