Why is Communication Important for
Engineers?
You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but they usually aren’t much good to your company
or your career if you can’t express them clearly and persuasively... In fields such as engineering
or finance, you often need to share complex ideas with executives, customers, and colleagues,
and your ability to connect with people outside your field can be as important as your technical
expertise (Bovee and Thill, 2021, p. 4).
Kettering University recognizes that, in the past, engineering was often seen as a technical field
for which exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills were the primary requirements for
success. They also recognize the landscape of the engineering industry is rapidly evolving, and it
is becoming increasingly evident that effective communication skills are just as crucial as
technical expertise. Which is why they emphasize the importance of effective and efficient verbal
and written communication in all of their courses.
Let’s explore the reasons behind the growing importance of effective communication in
engineering and highlight why engineers must develop strong communication skills to thrive in
today’s industry.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Projects - Projects today are more complex and require
collaboration among diverse teams. Modern engineering challenges often involve multiple
disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Effective communication is
essential to bridge the gap between these disciplines, ensuring that all team members understand
each other’s perspectives, requirements, and constraints. Engineers with strong communication
skills can facilitate collaboration, streamline decision-making processes, and foster a harmonious
work environment.
Client Engagement and Stakeholder Management - The engineering industry now places
greater emphasis on client engagement and stakeholder management. Engineers must
communicate effectively with clients, understand their needs and expectations, and translate
technical concepts into understandable language. Clear and concise communication fosters trust,
enhances client satisfaction, and leads to successful project outcomes. Moreover, engineers are
often required to interact with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
Effective communication helps manage expectations, address concerns, and ensure compliance
with regulations, enabling smoother project execution.
Communication in the Design Process - Communication plays a crucial role in the design
process. Engineers must convey their ideas, designs, and technical concepts to clients,
colleagues, and stakeholders. Strong communication skills facilitate effective presentations,
enabling engineers to articulate their vision and rationale behind design choices. Clear
communication also helps gather feedback, ensuring that designs meet the desired specifications.
Additionally, engineers need to communicate with manufacturing teams, contractors, and
suppliers to ensure designs are implemented accurately and efficiently.
Project Management and Leadership - Engineers are increasingly taking on project
management and leadership roles. Effective communication is vital for project managers to
articulate project goals, allocate resources, and coordinate team activities. Through clear
communication, project managers can set expectations, delegate tasks, and provide timely
updates, ensuring that projects stay on track. Leadership requires motivating and inspiring teams,
and effective communication is fundamental to achieving these goals.
Impact on Safety and Risk Management - Safety is a critical concern in the engineering
industry. Engineers must communicate safety protocols, hazard information, and risk
management strategies effectively to minimize accidents and ensure the well-being of both
workers and end-users. Clear communication about potential risks, safety guidelines, and
emergency procedures is paramount to maintaining a safe working environment. Strong
communication skills enable engineers to convey complex safety information comprehensively,
ensuring that everyone involved understands and adheres to the necessary precautions.
The Six C's of Communication
Compassion: Conveying an empathic understanding of a situation and your audience
Clarity: Ensuring your message is clear to someone unfamiliar with a given situation
Conciseness: Guaranteeing your message is no longer than it needs to be and conveys a central
point
Connection: Building an emotional connection with your audience
Conviction: Infusing your communication with a sense of personal investment and commitment
Courage: Exuding confidence in the face of uncertainty, risk, or danger
Public Speaking Practices
As you work on developing stronger public speaking skills, here are best practices that can help:
Watch your body language.
Study great public speakers.
Practice voice and breath control.
Prepare talking points and rehearse your presentation.
Know your audience.
Learning and engaging in data storytelling—the ability to communicate insights from a
data set using narratives and visualizations to inspire action within your organization—
can also help.
