Engineering Communication From Principles to Practice

by Irish, Robert; Weiss, Peter

• ISBN13: 9780195446920
• ISBN10: 0195446925
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-04-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Engineering Communication: From Principles to Practice, 2e, is a writing and communications text designed to guide engineering students through the process of writing polished and professional documents. The text is organized around 18 principles of clear communication derived from linguistic theory that can be applied practically to everyday writing and speaking challenges. The principles are supported by numerous tips found in marginal boxes, exercises in new "Try This" boxes, and writing samples that clearly demonstrate how each principle can be applied to everyday communication challenges. This resource also includes a series of appendices covering the fundamentals of grammar, plus a new primer on ethics for engineers.

Author Biography

Robert Irish is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. He began the engineering communication program at the University of Toronto in 1995 and served as its first director until 2008. He also runs a series of courses on writing in engineering for professional engineers.

Peter Weiss is a senior lecturer at the University of Toronto and is the current director of the engineering communication program, which he has been involved with since 2000.

Table of Contents

Preface
Principles of Engineering Communication
To the Instructor
To the Student
Introduction
Part I
Getting Started: Pre-drafting and Drafting
1. : Purpose, Genre, and Audience
Principle 1: Finding Purpose
Principle 2: Improvising Genre
Principle 3: Constructing Audience
2. : Strategies for Invention
Principle 4: Developing Credible Argument
Principle 5: Using Rhetorical Patterns
Part II
Modes of Control: Tools for Revision
3. : Guiding the Reader through the Document
Principle 6: Building Effective Introductions
Principle 7: Framing Knowledge
Principle 8: Imposing Visible Structure
Principle 9: Making Transitions
4. : Creating Clarity and Cohesion
Principle 10: Designing Paragraphs
Principle 11: Moving from Known to New
Principle 12: Modifying Matters
Part III
Elements of Refined Design
5. : Generating Flow
Principle 13: Elevating Verbs
Principle 14: Positioning the Verb
Principle 15: Finding the Real Subject
Principle 16: Capitalizing on the Power Position
6. : Engineering Elegance
Principle 17: Determining Sentence Length
Principle 18: Mastering Sentence Rhythm
Part IV
Applications
7. : Applying the Principles to Written Communication
8. : Applying the Principles to Visual Communication
9. : Applying the Principles to Oral Communication
Conclusion: From Principles to Practice
Appendices
Appendix A: Core Sentence Components: Clauses
Appendix B: Sentence Types
Appendix C: Action Elements: Verbs and Verbals
Appendix D: Optional Sentence Elements: Modifiers
Appendix E: Joiners
Appendix F: Punctuation
Appendix G: A Brief Primer on Ethics for the Engineer (NEW)
Appendix H: Fallacies
References
Index