Communications 101: An Engineer’s Primer By Herb Flink Customer Support Engineering Manager Parker Fluid Control Division

Today’s engineers are measured by how well they link technical expertise with effective communications skills. Communicating clearly, concisely, and professionally is vital whether handling a customer call, creating a department report, or emailing a customer about a project inquiry.

By Control Engineering Staff January 24, 2007

Today’s engineers are measured by how well they link technical expertise with effective communications skills. Communicating clearly, concisely, and professionally is vital whether handling a customer call, creating a department report, or emailing a customer about a project inquiry.

It is vital to take the time and do whatever is necessary to make yourself understood. In fact, it is your responsibility as an engineer to make sure the other party understands your explanations. I have built my career around this philosophy and tried to instill this thought process into every engineer who reports to me.

Words spoken, heard and written have the power to persuade, teach and inspire. For engineers, strong oral and written communications skills can improve job performance, enhance work relationships and help overcome obstacles. This article will offer engineers simple tips to improve their communication skills and recommendations to put them to use in the workplace

Parker Fluid Control Division