TECC 313: Tips and Strategies for Effective Technical Writing in Engineering

In this episode, I talk with Pam Hurley, PhD, the founder and president of Hurley Write, Inc., about how engineers can become more effective writers. We discuss some of the challenges that engineers face when writing, share some tips and strategies for improving their effective technical writing skills, and the importance of writing in a clear, concise, and engaging style. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Tips and Strategies for Effective Technical Writing in Engineering: Engineers face the challenge of writing clearly and concisely, especially when communicating complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience. Engineers can improve their writing by viewing it as problem-solving and focusing on the desired outcome. This means understanding the communication problem they are trying to solve, their target audience, and the desired outcome. Once they have this understanding, they can use their problem-solving skills to craft a message that is clear, concise, and engaging. For engineers, documents are more than just words on a page. They are the ultimate deliverable that shapes how technical and non-technical audiences perceive their competence, intelligence, and the quality of their work. Therefore, effective communication hinges on crafting documents that convey ideas clearly and project a positive image (ethos). Audiences tend to focus on visuals before text, so clear and concise visuals should complement rather than replace text. Effective visuals pass the "grunt test," conveying their message in seconds. Overloading visuals in presentations can hinder understanding, so clarity is key for effective communication. Engineers should prioritize a holistic editing approach, using a checklist to ensure documents align with the reader's needs, maintain a logical flow, and present clear concepts. While proofreading is important, it's more efficient to mark issues and continue writing, enabling creative problem-solving and benefiting from incubation when needed. Taking the time to plan is crucial. The 80-20 Rule applies, with 80% of the effort spent on planning and only 20% on actual writing. Rushing through without considering the audience can lead to issues. In writing, it's essential to do a deep dive into reader attributes and employ specific strategies, tailored to skeptical versus receptive readers, recognizing that their attitudes demand distinct approaches, even within the same document. To write effectively, engineers should start with a clear outcome in mind, ensuring that every piece of information contributes to the desired conclusion. Avoid including irrelevant details driven by personal interest, as this can lead to excessive content, known as overwriting. For engineers seeking to enhance their writing skills, two simple practices are highly effective. Firstly, dedicating just 15 minutes daily to writing helps improve their abilities significantly. Secondly, reading for 15 minutes daily, including novels and newspaper articles, exposes them to language nuances and sentence structures, and enhances overall writing proficiency. These straightforward habits can prove more valuable than extensive technical writing textbooks. The impact of using audiobooks versus traditional reading on enhancing one's ability to think differently and improve writing skills hasn't been extensively researched. While the method of consuming content may vary, such as using audiobooks or traditional reading, the outcome likely depends on individual preference and adaptability, rather than substantial differences in their effectiveness in fostering new ways of thinking and enhancing writing. More in This Episode… In the Take Action Today segment of the show,