As engineers, we are all trained in how to identify, analyze, and then fix problems.   A bachelor's degree in engineering typically entails at least 1500 problems!  So, we are problem-oriented.

This module looks at the state of technical writing, as a set of problems.  It will show you how the entire course will work.  We will address most of the writing problems common to engineers.  Further, we'll look at the reason engineers struggle.  We do this so that the rest of the course will have more meaning.  If we better understand how and why we struggle, then we'll be receptive to ideas and methods to change.  We'll be able to identify the problems, analyze the problems, and then how to fix the problems.  So, this module effectively "sells" the course by laying down why engineers write poorly, and how we can fix these problems.

Some activities are available early which means you can (and should) go to them before we meet online for the first webinar.  This module is about how to deliver professional technical communication that is Clear, Concise, and Concrete.

Words are a combination of letters.  Here we’ll establish the fundamental rules for different types of words, known as “Parts of Speech”.  When you have the rules for word types, you'll be better able to identify and fix errors, and our text will be clearer.

This module addresses words that are the elements of a text.  We will identify problems associated with word choice.  In this way, you'll be able to eliminate unnecessary words and phrases to make your communication concise.  When you know about vague words and phrases, you can correct them to make your writing concrete.

Sentences are a combination of words.  Paragraphs are a combination of sentences.  The sentence is the largest independent unit. It’s a group of words that expresses a complete idea and has both a subject and a verb.  Technical content is complex, so it should be written as simply as possible.  And yet so many technical writers construct their sentences in ways that make them complicated!  When we build sentences properly, we can make it easy to follow.  So, we evaluate sentences for clarity and brevity).  We’ll then look at how sentences should be combined to form paragraphs.

Style in technical communication should not be restricted to one type: formal.  Informality has its place. Engineers love to write in an unnecessarily official way, which inhibits persuasion and adds clutter to text.

We examine graphical communication media critically so that you can build valuable images that communicate through tables, graphs, and diagrams.