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Writing Professionally as an Engineer Scott Coffel Director, Hanson CTC

Writing Professionally as an Engineer Scott Coffel Director, Hanson CTC. Famous Last Words of Engineers. “I’m an engineer—not a writer.” “I don’t have to explain my data—it explains itself.” “Don’t worry—only engineers will read this.”. Writing is Not a “Soft Skill”.

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Writing Professionally as an Engineer Scott Coffel Director, Hanson CTC

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  1. Writing Professionallyas an EngineerScott CoffelDirector, Hanson CTC

  2. Famous Last Words of Engineers • “I’m an engineer—not a writer.” • “I don’t have to explain my data—it explains itself.” • “Don’t worry—only engineers will read this.”

  3. Writing is Not a “Soft Skill” Why does the College have its own Writing Center? • Professional engineers tell us that at least 7O% of their work involves writing and public speaking. • Successful careers in engineering revolve around communicating to multiple audiences: clients, the general public, and fellow professionals.

  4. Benefits ofReader-Based Documents • Allow readers to focus on information they may need to act upon or evaluate. • Explain to readers how to use or act upon the information you provide. • Allow readers to comprehend your message quickly.

  5. Pluto, RIP (rest in peace):The Power of Precise Descriptions In 2006, The International Astronomical Union revised its definition of planetary objects. '‘…a celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a...nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.''

  6. The Basics • Technical writers achieve clarity by eliminating ambiguous words or phrases. • Ambiguity (defined as “doubtfulness or uncertainty as regards interpretation”) can often lead to serious misinterpretations… • and undermine your credibility. • Whoever writes English is involved in a struggle that never lets up, even for a sentence. — George Orwell

  7. Questions? Visit the Hanson CTC • Hours: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday • Location: 2224 SC (in the Student Commons area) • Scheduling: Appointment sign-up sheet posted on window outside door of 2224 SC

  8. Thank you! What is written without effort is read without pleasure.

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