Communication Skills: A Guide for Engineering and Applied Science Students

Communication Skills - A Guide for Engineering and Applied Science Students
John W. Davies and Ian K. Dunn

How well can you communicate? Is it important to be able to communicate clearly and accurately? Do you know how to write a letter and would you be confident the grammar was correct? Can you convey technical information simply and effectively? Do you understand that people will perceive you more or less positively according to your first communication?

Communication Skills is a concise and practical guide to the written, electronic and spoken communication skills required by all engineering and applied science students. Written in an informal style, this text will help you to communicate clearly and effectively throughout your course, maximise your success in job-hunting, and lay the foundations for competent professional communication.

The early part of the book goes back to basics, covering spelling, grammar and punctuation. Diagnostic tests indicate which skills you need to improve before you go on to apply the principles to reports and presentations. Further chapters guide you through the conventions, techniques and skills used in creating outstanding written and spoken work. Finally, the book concludes with a guide to successful job applications, interviews and communication in the workplace.

Topics covered include:

• the use of basic elements in the English language, e.g. grammar, spelling, punctuation
• the writing process and presentation of technical information
• sources and how to use them
• spoken presentations
• guidelines on how to write formal letters and emails
• tips on CVs, job applications and interview techniques
• communication in the professional world
• recording personal experience

Tests throughout the book enable you to assess your own knowledge, while checklists and examples of good practice help to reinforce your understanding.

John Davies is Professor of Civil Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Coventry University.

Ian Dunn is an engineering designer and Associate Dean within the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, at Coventry University.

Visit www.smartstudyskills.com to access a wealth of useful information, tips, templates and interactive activities that will support your skills development.