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Questions and Answers
According to John E. West, a poor facility with the mechanics of writing is a severely career-limiting fault.
According to John E. West, a poor facility with the mechanics of writing is a severely career-limiting fault.
True
In the engineering field, you are rarely judged solely by the quality of your technical expertise or work.
In the engineering field, you are rarely judged solely by the quality of your technical expertise or work.
True
Poor communication skills have probably claimed more casualties than corporate downsizing.
Poor communication skills have probably claimed more casualties than corporate downsizing.
True
In engineering writing, anything causing a reader to hesitate---whether in uncertainty, frustration, or even unintended amusement—is “noise.”
In engineering writing, anything causing a reader to hesitate---whether in uncertainty, frustration, or even unintended amusement—is “noise.”
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The ability to write effectively is not just a "nice-to-have"—it translates into significant dollars. If those engineers spend 40% of their time writing, that means they are being paid $24,000 a year to write.
The ability to write effectively is not just a "nice-to-have"—it translates into significant dollars. If those engineers spend 40% of their time writing, that means they are being paid $24,000 a year to write.
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The writer of the sentence, "Coming home, I drove into wrong house and collided with a I didn’t have", was obviously unable to express what really happened.
The writer of the sentence, "Coming home, I drove into wrong house and collided with a I didn’t have", was obviously unable to express what really happened.
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Noise in a written document can cause anything from momentary confusion to a complete inability to understand a message.
Noise in a written document can cause anything from momentary confusion to a complete inability to understand a message.
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According to engineer Bill Brennan, a senior member of the Technical Staff at Advanced Micro Devices, it costs a minimum of $200 to produce one page of internal technical report, and at least five times that amount for one page of a technical conference report. However, the cost is worth reducing noise in writing.
According to engineer Bill Brennan, a senior member of the Technical Staff at Advanced Micro Devices, it costs a minimum of $200 to produce one page of internal technical report, and at least five times that amount for one page of a technical conference report. However, the cost is worth reducing noise in writing.
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The organization and visual structure of a document can be readily apparent with the use of hierarchical headings, bulleted and numbered lists, and paragraph length.
The organization and visual structure of a document can be readily apparent with the use of hierarchical headings, bulleted and numbered lists, and paragraph length.
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The most popular way to display visuals nowadays is from a laptop computer connected to a projector, showing the audience what you have created on a graphics program such as PowerPoint, OpenOffice, or Harvard Graphics.
The most popular way to display visuals nowadays is from a laptop computer connected to a projector, showing the audience what you have created on a graphics program such as PowerPoint, OpenOffice, or Harvard Graphics.
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A good engineering report is generally considered to be one-tenth to one-twentieth the length of the report. For a short report, the executive summary should not go over three typewritten pages.
A good engineering report is generally considered to be one-tenth to one-twentieth the length of the report. For a short report, the executive summary should not go over three typewritten pages.
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In the engineering world, you must use the passive voice, but the problem is when it is misused, it leads to unclear, wordy, and even dangerous writing.
In the engineering world, you must use the passive voice, but the problem is when it is misused, it leads to unclear, wordy, and even dangerous writing.
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The active voice directly states that someone does something, while the passive voice turns it around.
The active voice directly states that someone does something, while the passive voice turns it around.
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In general, the best policy is to use the active voice when it is the most natural and efficient way to express yourself, and when there is no company policy against it. It’s also logical to use the passive if the doer of an action is unknown or unimportant.
In general, the best policy is to use the active voice when it is the most natural and efficient way to express yourself, and when there is no company policy against it. It’s also logical to use the passive if the doer of an action is unknown or unimportant.
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When you review your rough draft, look for ways to strengthen the organization and flow of your ideas. This applies to the level of a whole paragraph and a whole group of paragraphs.
When you review your rough draft, look for ways to strengthen the organization and flow of your ideas. This applies to the level of a whole paragraph and a whole group of paragraphs.
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The best way to create a label for the cover of your report is to use your word processing software to design one on a standard page with a graphic box around the label information.
The best way to create a label for the cover of your report is to use your word processing software to design one on a standard page with a graphic box around the label information.
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The only exception to the rule of acknowledging your sources is when you cite common knowledge.
The only exception to the rule of acknowledging your sources is when you cite common knowledge.
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You must document all information that you obtain, including diagrams, ideas, facts, theories, findings, opinions, and graphics. Everything that you borrow must be cited.
You must document all information that you obtain, including diagrams, ideas, facts, theories, findings, opinions, and graphics. Everything that you borrow must be cited.
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In the body of your text, refer to the source of your borrowed information by inserting source numbers in brackets at the end of each segment of borrowed information. Reference numbers can also be inserted within a sentence, without changing the sentence’s punctuation.
In the body of your text, refer to the source of your borrowed information by inserting source numbers in brackets at the end of each segment of borrowed information. Reference numbers can also be inserted within a sentence, without changing the sentence’s punctuation.
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When you are writing an instruction, it’s not a bad idea to use the imperative writing style. You should address readers directly, get their full attention, and be straightforward about what you want them to do.
When you are writing an instruction, it’s not a bad idea to use the imperative writing style. You should address readers directly, get their full attention, and be straightforward about what you want them to do.
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When you need to define potentially unfamiliar terms or describe how things look before, during, or after individual steps you may need to provide supplemental explanation. When you explain the individual steps, use numbered lists for sequential steps. Use bulleted lists for steps in no necessary order. For nonsequential troubleshooting steps, try the vertical list format.
When you need to define potentially unfamiliar terms or describe how things look before, during, or after individual steps you may need to provide supplemental explanation. When you explain the individual steps, use numbered lists for sequential steps. Use bulleted lists for steps in no necessary order. For nonsequential troubleshooting steps, try the vertical list format.
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Technical usage involves the technical level of the words you use, abbreviations, numbers, units of measurement, acronyms, and equations.
Technical usage involves the technical level of the words you use, abbreviations, numbers, units of measurement, acronyms, and equations.
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In its negative sense, jargon is pure noise since it refers to unitelligible speech or writing.
In its negative sense, jargon is pure noise since it refers to unitelligible speech or writing.
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In general, the best policy is to use the active voice when it is the most natural and efficient way to express yourself. You should use the passive voice if the doer of an action is unknown or unimportant.
In general, the best policy is to use the active voice when it is the most natural and efficient way to express yourself. You should use the passive voice if the doer of an action is unknown or unimportant.
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A common problem occurs when you combine subjects and verbs in strange ways, especially when lots of words come between them. It is known as a faulty predication.
A common problem occurs when you combine subjects and verbs in strange ways, especially when lots of words come between them. It is known as a faulty predication.
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A well-organized vertical list is sometimes the most efficient way to communicate information. It makes it easier for readers to retrieve information from lists than from regular paragraphs.
A well-organized vertical list is sometimes the most efficient way to communicate information. It makes it easier for readers to retrieve information from lists than from regular paragraphs.
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The Internet has brought a virtual tidal wave of new possibilities, ideas, and methods that engineers can use for communicating to the world, and has blown the one-way communication model to smithereens. It’s no longer controlled by a business or organization, and the messages contained therein, are not owned by any business or organization. The most profound change is that social media is owned by all of us. Engineers collaborating on one project from all over the world, or in the next cubicle is what is all about.
The Internet has brought a virtual tidal wave of new possibilities, ideas, and methods that engineers can use for communicating to the world, and has blown the one-way communication model to smithereens. It’s no longer controlled by a business or organization, and the messages contained therein, are not owned by any business or organization. The most profound change is that social media is owned by all of us. Engineers collaborating on one project from all over the world, or in the next cubicle is what is all about.
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If you want to promote yourself, a blog is an excellent platform to give and receive advice and expertise from other engineers. It is a great way for building a professional reputation.
If you want to promote yourself, a blog is an excellent platform to give and receive advice and expertise from other engineers. It is a great way for building a professional reputation.
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The most user-friendly and intuitive blogging software available is Wordpress. Some of its benefits include: being user-friendly, free to use, requires no programming knowledge, comes with countless tutorials, and has technical support.
The most user-friendly and intuitive blogging software available is Wordpress. Some of its benefits include: being user-friendly, free to use, requires no programming knowledge, comes with countless tutorials, and has technical support.
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Facebook is used by 70% of automotive and aerospace engineers to exchange information on technical issues, according to surveys of SAE International. Facebook had over one billion monthly active users at the end of December 2012; on average it had 526 million daily active users.
Facebook is used by 70% of automotive and aerospace engineers to exchange information on technical issues, according to surveys of SAE International. Facebook had over one billion monthly active users at the end of December 2012; on average it had 526 million daily active users.
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When creating a Facebook page, make sure that it is user-friendly. Remember that every friend made, page liked, photograph posted, group joined, event created, or comment left is a reflection of who you are or who you want the world to perceive you as being.
When creating a Facebook page, make sure that it is user-friendly. Remember that every friend made, page liked, photograph posted, group joined, event created, or comment left is a reflection of who you are or who you want the world to perceive you as being.
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Google+, Google Plus or just g+, is the brain-child of Google, Inc. Google is not just a search engine. It has developed many collaboration-based applications that are widely used throughout the engineering field. Google+ integrates many of Google’s products to create a broader social experience.
Google+, Google Plus or just g+, is the brain-child of Google, Inc. Google is not just a search engine. It has developed many collaboration-based applications that are widely used throughout the engineering field. Google+ integrates many of Google’s products to create a broader social experience.
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The main function of Google+ is to organize lists of contacts into different groups. This is done through a streamlined process, and you can easily add, delete, and modify your circles by clicking on the circles icon.
The main function of Google+ is to organize lists of contacts into different groups. This is done through a streamlined process, and you can easily add, delete, and modify your circles by clicking on the circles icon.
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LinkedIn is a social media site that is solely for professional networking, connecting, and building career-oriented associations. It is not used for posting personal information
LinkedIn is a social media site that is solely for professional networking, connecting, and building career-oriented associations. It is not used for posting personal information
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When creating your LinkedIn Profile, be sure to complete your entire Profile. It is important to include as much engineering-related information as possible; and you can use keywords to ensure that people will be able to find and understand your information. It also goes without saying that misspellings are a no-no!
When creating your LinkedIn Profile, be sure to complete your entire Profile. It is important to include as much engineering-related information as possible; and you can use keywords to ensure that people will be able to find and understand your information. It also goes without saying that misspellings are a no-no!
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In your LinkedIn Profile, be sure to participate in LinkedIn Answers; and join groups related to the engineering profession. If your profile is marked as ‘public’, you should be able to see it in searches for your profession.
In your LinkedIn Profile, be sure to participate in LinkedIn Answers; and join groups related to the engineering profession. If your profile is marked as ‘public’, you should be able to see it in searches for your profession.
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Many engineering companies, large and small, now use Twitter to communicate with existing and potential customers. Also, many professional engineering publications post the latest news and links to their online articles on Twitter. Even though it is a young social media venue, it has 500 million registered users daily, and 33 billion tweets sent worldwide — daily. Anyone can read, write, share, or re-share messages about a field of interest, as long as the message is 140 characters or less.
Many engineering companies, large and small, now use Twitter to communicate with existing and potential customers. Also, many professional engineering publications post the latest news and links to their online articles on Twitter. Even though it is a young social media venue, it has 500 million registered users daily, and 33 billion tweets sent worldwide — daily. Anyone can read, write, share, or re-share messages about a field of interest, as long as the message is 140 characters or less.
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Twitter is fast becoming the “go to” medium for engineering information.
Twitter is fast becoming the “go to” medium for engineering information.
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When using Twitter, it is important to spread the word about your own engineering expertise or the specialty of your company. You should ignore a virtual database of opinions, trends, messages, stories, and networking opportunities.
When using Twitter, it is important to spread the word about your own engineering expertise or the specialty of your company. You should ignore a virtual database of opinions, trends, messages, stories, and networking opportunities.
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If you want to promote yourself on Twitter, you should use hashtags and brand consistency with colors, images, and logos. It is important to use keywords in your bio to help people find you; and be sure to respond to tweets, comments, and information posted by other engineers—this will help build your following.
If you want to promote yourself on Twitter, you should use hashtags and brand consistency with colors, images, and logos. It is important to use keywords in your bio to help people find you; and be sure to respond to tweets, comments, and information posted by other engineers—this will help build your following.
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Study Notes
Engineering Writing
- Poor writing skills can significantly hinder an engineer's career.
- Effective communication skills are crucial, and writing plays a significant role.
- Poor writing, characterized by unclear or confusing content, is considered "noise".
- Noise can lead to confusion, frustration, and difficulty understanding the intended message.
- The cost of producing technical reports is substantial, highlighting the importance of clear and concise writing.
Importance of Effective Communication
- Engineers spend a considerable amount of time writing, making it a vital skill for their profession.
- Effective writing can lead to greater efficiency and clarity in communication, ultimately benefiting the engineering field.
Visual Structure and Organization
- Employing hierarchical headings, bulleted and numbered lists, and appropriate paragraph length enhances the organization and visual structure of documents.
- Visuals are essential in presentations, and popular options include using a laptop computer with a projector to showcase graphics created in programs like PowerPoint, OpenOffice, or Harvard Graphics.
Report Writing
- A good engineering report is typically one-tenth to one-twentieth the length of the original document.
- For short reports, the executive summary should not exceed three typewritten pages.
Active vs. Passive Voice
- The passive voice is often necessary in engineering writing, but overuse can lead to unclear and wordy prose.
- The active voice directly states who performs an action, while the passive voice emphasizes the action itself.
- The active voice is generally preferred when it expresses ideas more naturally and efficiently, unless company policy dictates otherwise.
- The passive voice is appropriate when the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant.
Reviewing and Revising
- When reviewing a rough draft, focus on strengthening the organization and flow of ideas.
- Ensure logical progression and coherence at both the paragraph and section levels.
Report Cover Design
- Use word processing software to create a professional report cover with a graphic box around the label information.
Acknowledgement of Sources
- Cite all borrowed information, including diagrams, ideas, facts, theories, findings, opinions, and graphics.
- Use source numbers in brackets at the end of each borrowed segment or within the sentence.
Writing Instructions
- An imperative writing style is recommended when writing instructions.
- Address readers directly, use a direct and clear tone, and provide specific instructions.
Supplemental Explanations
- Provide supplemental explanations to define unfamiliar terms or describe the appearance or processes of individual steps.
- Use numbered lists for sequential steps, bulleted lists for non-sequential steps, and vertical lists for troubleshooting steps.
Technical Usage
- Technical writing requires attention to the technical level of vocabulary, abbreviations, numbers, units of measurement, acronyms, and equations.
- Jargon, when misused, can create noise and hinder understanding.
Faulty Predication
- A common writing error occurs when subjects and verbs are combined awkwardly, especially when long phrases intervene.
- This error, known as a faulty predication, can lead to unclear and grammatically incorrect sentences.
Vertical Lists
- Vertical lists can effectively communicate information and enhance readability.
- They make it easier for readers to retrieve information compared to regular paragraphs.
The Impact of the Internet
- The internet has revolutionized engineering communication, offering numerous new possibilities and methods.
- The internet has shifted the power dynamics of communication, allowing engineers to share information directly with the world.
- Social media platforms are owned by everyone, empowering engineers to connect, share ideas, and collaborate globally.
Social Media for Engineers
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Engineers use various social media platforms for professional networking, sharing knowledge, and staying abreast of industry trends.
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Facebook*
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Popular with engineers for exchanging information on technical issues.
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Had over one billion monthly active users as of December 2012.
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LinkedIn*
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Dedicated solely to professional networking and career development.
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It is not meant for sharing personal information.
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Complete LinkedIn profiles with relevant engineering information and keywords to enhance visibility.
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Actively participate in LinkedIn Answers and join engineering-related groups.
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Twitter*
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Widely used by engineering companies, publications, and professionals for communication and sharing news.
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Offers a platform for disseminating information, connecting with peers, and engaging in industry discussions.
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Use keywords, hashtags, consistent branding, and regularly participate in conversations to enhance your presence on Twitter.
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Engage with other engineers' tweets, comments, and information to build your following.
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