Sway is a Microsoft software for presentations and storytelling. I wanted a jazzier presentation format for a Digital Humanities project, one that would let me embed multimedia components and stretch across a four-wall 360 presentation space. It had to be shareable over the web. Learn more at Getting Started with Sway.
Similar tools to consider include Microsoft PowerPoint and Prezi.
Camtasia provides screen recording and video editing tools to create professional videos. You can record movements on the screen, or import existing video files to edit.
How it is useful to technical communicators:
Camtasia can be used for creating instructional videos.
Where you can learn more about it:
You can learn more about Camtasia and purchase the software through the TechSmith website.
Other software like it:
Jing, SnagIt
Audacity is free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds.
How it is useful to technical communicators:
Audacity can be used to add/edit audio when working on video assignments. It provides more audio manipulation techniques that are not available through video software.
Where you can learn more about it:
You can learn more about Audacity and download the software through the Audacity website.
Other software like it:
Adobe Audition
Snagit is a screen capture and screen recording software.
How it is useful to technical communicators:
Snagit allows technical communicators to develop graphic content. Snagit uses a scope view when taking a screen shot to help ensure the user has the exact image desired.
Users can also edit the image (crop, resize, dpi, etc.) within the application once the image is captured.
Where you can learn more about it:
Other software like it:
DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) is an XML markup language created by IBM and used by many technical communication groups. DITA content is most often created as a task, concept, or reference topic.
How it is useful to technical communicators:
DITA is useful to technical writers and their businesses because it allows for single-sourcing and content reuse. DITA also allows the writer to focus solely on the content as formatting is determined by the output format.
Where you can learn more about it:
What is DITA and why should you care?
DITA Open Tool Kit (for creating DITA outputs)
Other software like it: