The Essence of Technical Communication for Engineers: Writing, Presentation, and Meeting Skills

By Herbert L. Hirsch

"Today's engineers are inundated with strict formalism, rigid procedures, and complex processes-none of which can be found in this book Learn the art, tricks, and methods needed to become a great communicator with this light-hearted text, brimming with plenty of humor and real-world examples. This handy reference is written for technologists who require a simple, concise, and practical guide to the communication dynamics of writing, presentation delivery, and meeting interaction. The context of these elements are presented using a proven "scripting" mechanism to capture three fundamental principles: * Connection - getting attention to the subject matter * Flow - maintaining the connection while proceeding smoothly from topic to topic * Reinforcement - providing the substantiation for the points made in the flow The Essence of Technical Communication for Engineers describes how these principles may be applied to each element of communication. An important focus is given to attitude during the essential planning and execution steps of a project, which enables the successful completion of the event-whether written, oral, formal, or casual. This book may be used to accompany a technical communication course at the college or graduate level. It is a methodical, motivational companion that gives technologists the tools to enjoy writing. For a look at the Table of Contents and the Introduction go to www.ieee.org/organizations/pubs/press/Hirschintro.pdf. For a look at Chapter 1, ""The Written Document: Prose and Panic"" go to www.ieee.org/organizations/pubs/press/Hirschch01.pdf." Sponsored by: IEEE Professional Communications Society

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0780347382
• ISBN13: 9780780347380
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Wiley-IEEE Press
• Length: 102 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.2" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Sweet and to the Point

Insightful, humorous, introspective, this little book is nothing less than an inviting series of conversations about what it takes to be an interesting, engaging writer and speaker. I know first-hand how tough that is for many in engineering, and I'm sure this lovely little collection of practical advice is genuinely helpful. It's refreshing to read as well as grounded in the reality of what engineers must deliver on the job.

A practical perspective to effective communication

In this very little book (less than 200 pages), you'll find a treatment of the too often neglected aspect of effective communication: mental and psychological preparation. It discusses many issues that are responsible for ineffective communication.The first part deals with written documents, part II with formal presentations, part III with informal discussions, part IV about cross-culture communication. Each part tackles the three important aspects of communication: planning, building the right attitude, and finally producing. Communication requires that one knows what one wants to communicate and how to do it. This book will change your way of thinking about effective communication.

The "Strunk and White" of Communication for Nerds

Hirsch does a commendable job of boiling down the primary ideas for writing, presentation and meeting skills into a quick read. Many of the practices that we once learned, but have long forgotten (or ignored) are re-iterated here. By dividing into sections, you can quickly jump to where you want to focus (writing, speaking, meeting) There is some carryover from each chapter though, so reading once through is recommended