Many technical communicators "move into" training (expanded in this discussion to include "instructional design:) to upgrade or expand their career; conversely, trainers become documentation specialists as champions of communicating content. In this progression, I propose that one informs the other; in some instances the line blurs and disappears. Drawing parallels between core principles in technical communication and training enriches the practice of both. They are both committed to serving their audiences in pursuit of a business goal and maintaining high ethical standards. Both rely for excellence on the habit and skill in analyzing an audience, purpose, business situation, and communication context; both require clear development, execution, and review processes; both depend upon collaboration from various sources and areas; they experience the same constraints and offer similar career advancement opportunities. The simultaneous practice of both areas enriches one's professional experience.
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