ECE8020 -  Professional Communication Skills  (2-3-3)

Prerequisites:  None

Corequisites:  None

Catalog Description:  Written, oral, and graphical communication skills needed by electrical and computer engineering professionals.

Textbook(s):  Perelman, Paradis & Barrett, The Mayfield Handbook of Technical Scientific Writing, Mayfield Publishing, 1998. (required)

Topical Outline:  Need for Communication Skills Technical Communication Writing, Proof Reading, Speaking, Using Graphics, Critiquing Critiquing Presentations Organization, Technical Content, Technical Accuracy, Graphics, Voice, Delivery Dynamics, Handling Questions Planning, Outlining, and Logical Flow Grammar Technical Sentences Sentence Structure (subject, verb, diagramming) Paragraphs Report Writing IEEE Format for References IEEE Journal Format for Papers Proof-Reading Proof-Reading Marks Speaking Voice (volume, voice inflection, etc.) Delivery Dynamics (eye contact, audience engagement, gesturing, pointing at graphics, etc.) Graphics Report Figures and Drawings (readability) Software Packages (Powerpoint, Freehand, AutoCAD, etc.) Overhead Projector Transparencies Presentations Speaker Notes for Each Graphic (including transitions)