S4E7 Bridging the Gap: How AI is Reshaping Technical Communication with Ryan Boettger

Inside Tech Comm with Zohra Mutabanna

Curious about the future of technical communication in the rapidly evolving AI landscape? Today's episode with our talented guest, Ryan Boettger, a distinguished professor and department chair at the University of North Texas, promises to enlighten you. Ryan is a ‘prompt engineer,’ someone who acts as the valuable link between AI and humans. From his unique perspective informed by a rich background in linguistics and technical communication, Ryan brings you the latest on how socio-linguistics can inform research and curriculum related to AI.
We discuss the value and challenges of Technical Communication as a standalone department. Ryan shares candid insights on the struggle technical communicators face to be recognized within traditional humanities and other fields, like product management, engineering, and user experience. He sheds light on funding challenges that often put Technical Communication departments on the chopping block during layoffs. But, it's not all gloom and doom. Ryan’s passion for ensuring technical communicators are prepared with relevant AI skills sparks hope for the future.
Join us for this enlightening discussion with Ryan Boetger that will surely transform your understanding of the technical communication field and its relationship with AI!
Guest Bio
Ryan Boettger is a professor and department chair of Technical Communication. He received his Ph.D. and MA in Technical Communication and Rhetoric from Texas Tech University and a graduate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Pennsylvania State University.

His NSF-funded research focuses on content analysis, data-driven learning, English for Specific Purposes, and STEM education.

He is the former editor of the Wiley/IEEE Press book series on Professional Engineering Communication and the former deputy editor-in-chief of IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication. He’s an active consultant and a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach.

Show Credits

• Intro and outro music - Az
• Audio engineer - RJ Basilio

Show notes generated by AI and curated by me.

Chapter

1. S4E7 Bridging the Gap: How AI is Reshaping Technical Communication with Ryan Boettger (00:00:00)

2. Linguistics and AI in Technical Communication (00:00:08)

3. Technical Communication's Challenges and Value (00:16:03)

4. Technical Communication and AI's Future (00:24:20)

5. Exploring AI and Its Ethical Use (00:38:36)

6. AI's Impact on Technical Communication (00:49:42)

7. Importance of Upskilling and Reskilling (01:00:35)