Define yourself: strategies to increase professional status

Some techniques using verbal and operational self-definition for changing the way professional communicators are perceived and influencing how they are treated are suggested. It is pointed out that whether the aim is to break into the field of technical communication, to improve working conditions, or to advance in the profession, the process of controlling definition is an effective technique. It utilizes the documentation skills of selectively and operationally defining goals, understanding the audience, and choosing the appropriate format and media. Several effective strategies are discussed. These include assertive interviewing, designing the review criteria for one's position, transforming competition into cooperation, clarifying authority and responsibility and increasing visibility.<>