Real-Life Communication
Certainly, most students interested in becoming an engineer know
that they must develop skills in math and science. What are overlooked, says
Imelda De La Rue, are classes in English and writing.
"It is very important
that engineers know how to communicate, both in oral and written format,"
she says.
Engineer Dick Johnson couldn't agree more. "You need to be
able to write clear, correct sentences. Otherwise, misunderstandings will
arise and time will be wasted on back-and-forth communications. That time
could be better spent on technical design," he says.
Although oral
communication is important, he says that in today's world most of his contact
with customers is via e-mail. "Seventy percent of my communication is done
in writing," he says.
Here is an e-mail correspondence from an optical
engineer to Warner Brothers Studio. The optical engineer is working on a new
technology that would allow all movies to be made in 3D at no extra cost to
the producer. A special camera filter and a special projector would be needed
to make this possible.
The schedule is being completed on time, but
a part that is needed to build the camera filter has been delayed by the manufacturer.
The manufacturer, Camera Etc., has to back order the part from its Singapore
facility.
Here's the message:
Dear Edward,
I
wanted to update you on the progress of the project that we discussed. We
seem to be nearly on schedule for completion. However, we are having a few
problems. We expect to resolve them shortly.
Regards,
Clara
Put
yourself in the client's shoes. If you received this correspondence, what
are some of the questions that you would have after reading this e-mail? What
will you ask Clara, the optical engineer? Can you think of ways the optical
engineer could have been clearer? Rewrite the original e-mail.