Communication Skills for Engineers

Hiring managers seeking engineering candidates look for the ability to clearly present
objectives, data, conclusions, and recommendations.

Communication Skills for Engineers 

In today’s world, it is essential for an engineer to possess strong communication skills; it is the biggest determiner of success in the modern engineer’s professional career.

"There is ample evidence that graduate engineers lack the required standard of communication skills, particularly when compared to the needs of the industry internationally."

- UNESCO's International Centre report for Engineering Education

In addition to the technical skills necessary to design, test, and build things, successful engineers must also have the ability to 'interact with others'. 

As per The Ohio State University's 'Engineer Magazine',

"In today’s world, it is essential for an engineer to possess strong communication skills; it is the biggest determiner of success in the modern engineer’s professional career."

Hiring managers seeking engineering candidates look for the ability to clearly present objectives, data, conclusions, and recommendations.

According to Engineering Institute of Technology (Australia),

"Strong communication skills in engineering have become imperative as the engineering industry continues to evolve."

So what can engineers do to work on their communication skills? Here are 10 tips on how to use communication effectively,

1. Use positive language. 
   
   
2. Be clear, deliberate and concise. 
   
   
3. Show your appreciation for good work. 
   
   
4. Carefully select language when critiquing. 
   
   
5. Show genuine interest in conversations. 
   
   
6. Set clear and achievable communication goals. 
   
   
7. Avoid slang and colloquial language. 
   
   
8. Be precise and to the point. 
   
   
9. Ensure there is no room for misinterpretation. 
   
   
10. Think before you speak.
    

Additionally, here is also a list of 9 must-read books to make you a stronger communicator. Find the list in the comment section.

(1) Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results By Rob Biesenbach 

(2) Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great By Carmine Gallo
(3) Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone By Mark Goulston
(4) We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter By Celeste Headlee
(5) Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others By Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas
(6) Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences By Nancy Duarte
(7) Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It By Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
(8) Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age By Sherry Turkle
(9) The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century By Steven Pinker