Notes from Chapter 4, Thinking Like an Engineer

1. Introduction Paragraph
   
   
   Communication is a necessary and valuable skill in the field of engineering. Anyone can have a great idea, but those who are able to communicate their ideas to others and gain their support are much more likely to succeed in their endeavors.
   
   
2. Basic Presentation Skills
   
   
   Preplanning
   5 Ws and 1 H

   Who is my audience?

   What is my purpose?

   Where is all the equipment I need? Where will the talk be held?

   When am I on the program agenda?

   Why am I giving this talk?

   How long should I talk?

   
   Preparing the Verbal Elements
   4 -S Formula
   Keep the speech
   
   

   Short- short sentences, short length of speech

   Simple- avoid wordy phrases

   Strong- use active voice

   Sincere- convey respect for audience

   
   Three Structural Parts
   
   

   Introduction- capture attention

   Body- keep attention, two or three main points, simple examples

   Conclusion- summarize, show appreciation, and answer a few questions

   
   Preparing Visual Aids
   
   

   Keep slides simple- one concept per slide/six lines per slide/60 seconds

   Use landscape format

   Use simple graphs instead of lists and tables

   Test the visibility of visual aids (videos, diagrams, pictures,etc.)

   Use bullet points not complete sentences

   Use large size text (18-24 at minimum)

   Use clearly visible formatting for words and visuals

   Use light background/dark print

   Keep background simple and consistent throughout presentation

   
   
3. Sample Presentations
   
   

   

   Figure 1: Sample Presentation 1

   
   

   

   Figure 2: Sample Presentation 2

   
   

   

   Figure 3: Sample Presentation 3
   

   
   

   From these three sample presentations, I recognize the importance of simple formatting and easy-to-understand concepts. Backgrounds and slide layouts should be open (not cramped) and bright so as to support visibility on large screens.
   Additionally, graphics (tables, figures, and videos) should be straight-forward and discuss one concept. Figures should not be redundant or inappropriately sized. Figures should also be accompanied by explanations of the data to ensure understanding.
   
   
4. Presentation Dos and Don’ts
   
   
   Do:

   Relax

   Speak slowly/clearly and with appropriate eye contact

   Use proper hand gestures

   Rehearse presentation out loud

   Arrive early to set up and solve any issues that may arise

   
   Do not:
   
   

   Lean on objects, turn back to audience, or cover your mouth

   Read presentation word for word

   Include inappropriate content

   Use fillers ("uh" or "um"), stammer, or overuse words and phrases

   Chew gum or fidget with surroundings

   Shuffle feet/pace/slouch

   Play with note cards 

   
   
5. Basic Technical Writing Skills
   
   

   Be clear

   Use 10 pt font size and 1.5 line spacing

   Use past tense verbs

   Define unfamiliar terms and acronyms to reader

   Present facts not feelings

   Be professional in tone

   Number/caption tables, figures, and appendices 

   Tables: numbers and captions appear above the object

   Figures: numbers and captions appear below the object 

   Proofread/edit

   Check formatting, spelling, and grammar

   Read the document twice

   1. Check technical content 

   2. Check flow

   - remove unnecessary content

   - Read the document aloud and follow the pace of punctuation (ex: pause appropriately for commas, colons, semi colons, and periods)

   - peer review

   Spell out numbers that start a sentence (Ex: Two ducks sat on a bench.)

   Keep leading zeros in decimals (Ex: The candy cost $0.79 per pound.)

   Do not spell out long numbers (Ex: I saw 1,000 cars on the highway.)

   Use dollar symbol (Ex: The DVD cost $20.)

   Use significant figures/be reasonable 

   Ex: The tomato weighed 52.154 grams. NO

   The tomato weighed 52 grams. YES 

   
   
6. Proper Use of References
   
   
   ABCs of evaluating info

   A: Authority

   Who is responsible for the info? 

   Is the author/organization a credible source on this subject? 

   B: Bias

   Is the information presented objectively?

   What is the author's purpose?

   C: Currency

   How current is the information?

   
   Additional Tips for Evaluating Info
   
   

   -Seek for sources reviewed by experts

   -Use articles that have secured peer-reviews by experts

   - Compare information from several sources to gain depth/quality

   "Until you compare several sources, you will not know what you are missing!" 

   - Corroborate information; Compare information from several sources to establish what info is fact and what info is opinion 

   
   7. E-mails to your college Instructors
   

   -Choose an appropriate email name for professional use

   -Address recipient with correct title

   -Use appropriate subject lines

   -Close your e-mail with your full name and contact info; include course number and meeting day/time

   - Ensure your sending name is your full name or an appropriate nickname (Ex: Zachary Williams or Zack Williams)

   - Keep it simple, brief, and easy to read

   -Clearly define the action you desire from the recipient (Ex: Please explain the procedure for finding the answer to the following homework problem.)

   - Use correct spelling, grammar, and formatting; avoid texting language

   -Be professional

   -Fill in the To: and CC: lines after writing the e-mail to avoid sending the e-mail before you are finished writing and editing it

   - Allow 48-72 hours for a reply; If the matter is urgent, you can send a follow-up message asking if the original message was received and/or seek out a meeting or telephone conversation