Communication and Persuasion in Mechanical Engineering

Rhetoric plays an interesting role in the mechanical engineering field.  Engineers often have the rap of being socially awkward, like every Dilbert comic strip ever printed.  Persuasion is an art that may seem to be lacking in the world of the socially inept.  However, despite any weakness that come from dryness of speech, engineers can gain authority and power by resorting to a Vulcan approach.  

Rhetoric most often takes the form of logic for communication in the engineering field.

In this context, persuasion can take place in a variety of situations.  For instance, Dr. Anton Bowden, one of my engineering professors, previously worked for a company in a judicial setting.  He would be the authority in a court case explaining engineering concepts to a non-engineering jury.  These facts had great power in clarification and could ultimately lead to a verdict. Another location one may find rhetoric at work would be the work-floor of a large manufacturing plant.  With workers running to and fro, clear and concise process sheets are expedient in ensuring throughput and safety.  Yet another situation would be the creative young engineer proposing an idea for a more environmentally friendly vehicle to a legislative body.

Communication comes in many forms.  It presents itself in oral presentations, memos, technical reports, process sheets, engineering drawings, proposals, emails, etc.  My personal experience in the mechanical engineering major has exposed me to all of these forms of communication, and others.  It is exhilarating to have a great idea, and then to be able to share it with others.  Nothing gets accomplished until it is financed or has the necessary approval to proceed.  Rhetoric in the engineering field is the difference between dreams and reality.