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Writing Guides

Communicating in Mechanical Engineering

Introduction

Types of Communication

More on Types of Communication

Design Reviews

Poster Sessions

Graphics

Presentations

Lab Reports

More on Lab Reports

Definition of a Lab Report

Purpose

Audience

Development

General Format

Project Notebooks

Letters, Memos, E-mail

Proposals

Narrative Writing

More on Narrative Writing

Perspective: Narrative Writing in Publications

Perspective: Explaining a Concept

Perspective: Writing Style

Perspective: Creativity in Engineering Writing

Engineering Reports

More on Engineering Reports

Operating Manuals

More on Operating Manuals

Purpose

Audience

Perspective: Operating Manuals

Specifications and Codes

More on Specifications and Codes

Definitions of Specifications and Codes

Audience

Perspective: Codes

Perspective: Types of Specifications

Perspective: The Legal Aspects of Specifications

Perspective: O & M

Communication Conventions

More on Communication Conventions

Headings & Subheadings

Group Writing

Lists

Perspective: Writing Style

Graphics

Perspective: Engineering Writing

Active & Passive Voice

Perspective: Writing in Industry

Terseness

Perspective: Terseness in Writing

Pronouns

Perspective: Details in Engineering Writing

Advice from Engineers

More on Advice from Engineers

Present Information Logically

Perspective: Writing Style

Format Your Documents

Perspective: Creativity in Engineering Writing

Know Your Purpose and Audience

Perspective: Logical Flow

Perspective: Structured Writing

Perspectives on Communicating as an Engineer

More on Perspectives on Communicating as an Engineer

Writing Style

Creativity in Engineering Writing

Operating Manuals

Types of Specifications

The Legal Aspects of Specifications

O & M

Terseness in Writing

Narrative Writing in Publications

Explaining a Concept

Being Hired as an Engineer

Logical Flow

Writing Style

Engineering Writing

Structured Writing

Details in Engineering Writing

Developing Your Writing

Technical Presentations

Writing in Industry

Codes

Additional Resources

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Writing@CSU Home Page | Writing Guides | Communicating as a Mechanical Engineer

Communication Conventions

The engineering field has many established writing conventions. These conventions affect how you organize your thoughts and how you phrase your research and ideas. In this section we discuss the following:

  • Headings
  • Lists
  • Graphics
  • Passive Voice
  • Terseness
  • Pronouns
  • Group Writing

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