Engineering Communication

ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION
Introduction
• The word communication was derived from the Latin word
communicate that means to impart, to participate, to share or
to make common. It is a process of exchange of facts, ideas,
concepts, emotions, thoughts and opinions, and as a means
for an individual or organization, sharing meaning and
understanding with one another. In other words, it is a
transmission and interpreting the facts, ideas, opinion, feeling
and attitudes. It is the ability of mankind to communicate
across barriers and beyond boundaries that has ushered the
progress of mankind. It is the ability of fostering speedy and
effective communication around the world that has shrunk the
world and made.
Globalization reality. Communication had a vital role to play in
ensuring that people belonging to a particular country or a culture or
linguistic group interact with and relate to people belonging to other
countries or culture or linguistic group. Communication adds
meaning to human life. It helps to build relationship and fosters love
and understanding. It enriches our knowledge of the universe and
makes living worthwhile.
ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION
Engineering communication encompasses the effective and clear
conveyance of technical information, ideas and knowledge within
the engineering field, crucial for collaboration, problem solving and
project success.

,WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - MEANING
Written communication has great significance in today's business
world. It is an innovative activity of the mind. Effective written
communication is essential for preparing worthy promotional
materials for business development. Speech came before writing.
But writing is more unique and formal than speech. Effective writing
involves careful choice of words, their organization in correct order
in sentences formation as well as cohesive composition of
sentences. Also, writing is more valid and reliable than speech. But
while speech is spontaneous, writing causes delay and takes time
as feedback is not immediate.
Written Communication is most common form of communication
being used in business. So, it is considered core among business
skills. Memos, reports, bulletins, job descriptions, employee
manuals, and electronic mail are the types of written
communication used for internal communication. For
communicating with external environment in writing, electronic
mail, Internet Web sites, letters, proposals, telegrams, faxes,
postcards, contracts, advertisements, brochures, and news
releases are used.
In an organizational context, written media of communication, in
their vigorous role, play a pivotal role in the solution of many
management problems. The written media of communication
provides permanent records to which receiver can make reference
whenever he needs, to make sure that he understands what has
been said. On the contrary spoken word stays for the time being
only, and no longer thereafter. In this context, be it stated, that in

,case of instructions, directives, suggestions and solutions for
problems which sometimes turn out to be lengthy it is absolutely
essential to render in writing.


OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to:
• Write reports clearly, concisely, and professionally.
• Organize their thoughts and material before writing.
• Adapt their writing to their audience.
• Overcome "hang-ups" that result in stilted, ambiguous writing.
• Identify what information your readers will need.
• Take notes efficiently.
• Decide what does and does not belong in the final draft.
• Arrange material in an inviting format.
• Word the final draft clearly and concisely.
• Index notes for easy access to any subject.
ADVANTAGES OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
• Written communication helps in laying down apparent principles,
policies and rules for running an organization.
• It is a permanent means of communication, thus, it is useful
where record maintenance is required.

, • It assists in proper delegation of responsibilities. While in case of
oral communication, it is impossible to fix and delegate
responsibilities on the grounds of speech as it can be taken back by
the speaker or he may refuse to acknowledge.
• Written communication is more precise and explicit.
• Effective written communication develops and enhances an
organization's image.
• It provides ready records and references.
• Legal defenses can depend upon written communication as it
provides valid records.
DISADVANTAGES OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
• Written communication does not save on costs; it requires
stationery and manpower employed in writing/typing and delivering
letters.
• Also, if the receivers are separated by distance and if they need to
clear their doubts, the response is not spontaneous.
• Effective written communication requires great skills and
competence in language and vocabulary use. Poor writing skills and
quality have a negative impact on organization's reputation.
• Written communication is time-consuming as the feedback is not
immediate. The encoding and sending of message take time.
• Too much paper work and e-mails burden is involved.
STAGES OF WRITING