Writing & Presentation Skills

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What percentage of the final grade is attributed to the final exam?

40% (correct)

50%

20%

30%

Which learning outcome focuses on enhancing the clarity of written communication?

Producing professional technical documents

Applying editing, revising, and proofreading techniques (correct)

Designing informative presentations

Utilizing effective research methods

Which type of document is specifically mentioned as a product of this course?

CVs (correct)

Regular emails

Research articles

Business proposals

Who is the instructor for Part One of the course?

Dr. Yasmine Fahmy Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the strategies emphasized for managing public speaking anxiety?

Practicing relaxation techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of technical writing?

Original Research Articles Signup and view all the answers

What type of document would you likely use to formally invite vendors to submit bids for a project?

Invitation for bid (IFB) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of effective professional communication?

Using proper language Signup and view all the answers

Which document type primarily guides users in troubleshooting issues?

Troubleshooting Guides Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of procurement documentation?

Purchase Order (OP) Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the main focus of technical communication?

Transferring technical information Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with technical communication?

Abstract and vague language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT considered when determining the audience in technical communication?

Personal beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What are the four basic modes of communication mentioned in technical communication?

Verbal, non-verbal, written, and graphical Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'context' in technical communication encompass?

Various global factors affecting communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary purpose of technical communication?

To provide detailed instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mode of communication relevant in technical writing?

Formal communication Signup and view all the answers

What does technical communication prioritize when presenting information?

Clarity and accuracy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Writing & Presentation Skills - Lecture 1

Course instructors: Dr. Yasmine Fahmy (Part one), Dr. Mohsen Mahrous (Part Two)
Grading: 20% Part one activities, 20% Midterm Exam, 20% Part two activities, 40% Final Exam
Classroom link: https://classroom.google.com/c/NzA5ODIyODgyNzMy?cjc=dhl4ss4 (for uploading work)
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze audience to create resonant content
- Create various technical documents (CVs, emails, reports, memos) tailored to the audience
- Accurately cite and document sources using academic standards
- Enhance written communication clarity using editing/revising/proofreading techniques
- Design & deliver persuasive presentations effectively
- Manage stress/anxiety during presentations to improve oral presentation skills
- Utilize research methods to create accurate & credible technical communication
Textbooks:
- Technical Writing for Engineers & Scientists (International Student Edition)
- Technical Communication (12th Edition)
Schedule:
- Sept 29: Introduction to Technical Communication
- Oct 6: Official Holiday
- Oct 13: Start and End the Process
- Oct 20: Technical Writing Mechanics
- Oct 27: Visual Aids and Writing Collaboratively
- Nov 3: Presenting Technical Information
- Nov 10: Research and Information Gathering
- Nov 17: Mid-term Exam
- Nov 24: Technical Documentation and Manuals
- Dec 1: Proposals and Progress Reports
- Dec 8: Laboratory and Project Reports
- Dec 15: Student Workshop
- Dec 29: (date)

Technical Communication

Definition: Transferring information (especially technical information)
Modes: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Types:
- Verbal Communication (Speaking, Listening)
- Non-verbal Communication (Writing, Reading)

Characteristics of Technical Communication

Non-abstract, precise, accurate, well-documented
Uses numerical data
Relies heavily on visuals (equations, photos, tables, graphs, etc.)
Mechanically and stylistically correct
Considers:
- Who: Audience (previous knowledge, background, motivation, details needed)
- Why: Purpose (gathering facts, understanding processes, justifying projects, accepting recommendations, making decisions etc)
- What: Context (history, geography, politics, language, economics)

Types of Technical Writing

Reports, Proposals, Instructions Manuals
Style sheets, Technical specifications, Technical Standards
Software Documentation, Troubleshooting Guides
Emails, Memos, Technical Fliers, Press Release, Standard operating procedures
White papers, case studies, Procurement documents, Academic Writing,

Types of Procurement Documents

Request for Information (RFI)
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
Invitation for Bid (IFB)
Sales Proposal (SP)
Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA)
Purchase Order (PO)

Types of Academic (Scientific) Writing

Original Research Articles, Review Articles
Case Reports, Grant Proposals, Scientific Reports
Dissertations and Theses

Types of Software Documentation

System Architecture Diagrams, Design Documents
Source Code Comments, API (Application Programming Interface) Documentation
Installation Guides, Release Notes, Testing Plans and Reports

Activity 0 (0 points)

Use proper English language in communication
Avoid mixing Arabic and English in language use

Activity 1 (4 points)

Upload a technical document (or link)
Identify the audience
Identify the purpose

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the first lecture on Writing & Presentation Skills, focusing on essential learning outcomes such as audience analysis, technical document creation, citation standards, and presentation delivery. Instructors will guide you through best practices in written and spoken communication to enhance your skills in various professional contexts.