A technique is a specific way of doing something that helps you do it well. When a pianist uses proper finger technique, she positions her hands and strikes the keys in ways that produce clear, beautiful music. When a soccer player masters dribbling techniques, he learns particular foot movements that give him better control of the ball.

Techniques are the precise methods and steps that make the difference between struggling and succeeding. A writer might learn the technique of starting with a strong opening sentence to grab readers' attention. An artist might use a shading technique called cross-hatching, where you draw lots of tiny crossing lines to create shadows.

You can develop your own techniques through practice and experimentation, or learn them from teachers, books, or videos. Scientists use experimental techniques to run accurate tests. Chefs use cooking techniques like sautéing or braising to prepare different dishes.

When someone has excellent technique, it usually means they've worked hard to refine the specific methods that produce quality results in their field.