MECH 226 TERM 2

Informal/Parenthetical Definition

A synonym or clarifying phrase within parentheses after a term; used for brief clarification.

Formal/Sentence Definition

The term + the broader class it belongs to + distinguishing features; used for complex terms or when detail is needed.

Expanded Definition

A detailed definition spanning a paragraph or more; used for supporting information.

Examples of Informal Definitions

Anode (positively charged electrode)

Example of Formal Definition

Carbohydrates are chemical compounds that contain only oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon.

Ways to Expand a Definition

Appearance, comparison/contrast, etymology, examples, function/purpose, history, operating principles.

Definition Guidelines

• Classify precisely and differentiate accurately. • Avoid circular definitions.

• Use qualifiers to specify context (e.g., 'In automotive applications, …').

• Adapt definitions to the needs of the audience.

Purpose of technical descriptions

Helps readers understand objects, mechanisms, or processes.

Good technical descriptions

Provide visual details, avoid jargon, limit bias, and include appropriate detail for the audience.

Opinion in technical descriptions

Occasionally acceptable when clearly stated.

Visuals in technical descriptions

Should always be incorporated to aid understanding.

Mechanism Descriptions

Describe objects/systems designed for a purpose with multiple working parts.

Mechanism Description starts with

Definition of the mechanism (purpose + function).

Mechanism appearance

Should be described after the initial definition.

Operating principles

the fundamental concept that guides the functioning of a system or technology

Process Descriptions

Describe steps/actions over time leading to a defined end-state.

Objective POV in process descriptions

The concrete is poured into the frame.

Purpose of process description

First step in a process description.

Spatial Sequence

Describes how an item appears as a static object.

Functional Sequence

Describes the order in which an item's parts operate.

Chronological Sequence

Describes the order of assembly or occurrence of events.

Instructions Guidelines

• include graphics wherever possible

• use 'locating' steps for components that are difficult to find

• subdivide long instructions into several subsections • number all steps

• begin with a verb - 'attach' - or adverb if important - 'carefully'

• If-then structure may be useful

• State knowledge needed

Caution (! black & white)

Prevents possible minor injury or equipment damage.

Warning (! black & yellow)

Alerts user to potential hazards to life or limb.

Danger (! black & yellow flash)

Identifies an immediate hazard to life or limb.

Introduction (of instructions)

Provides context(definition, purpose, brief description), audience, tools, cautions, and overview.

Body (of instructions)

Provides numbered list of instructions starting with command verbs, grouped under task headings, emphasizes caution/warnings, and uses graphics.

Conclusion (of instructions)

Provides how common problems may be fixed, or a quick test to ensure the procedure has been followed correctly (if applicable).

Informative document

Document that presents facts with the goal of educating the reader.

Persuasive document

Aims to influence the reader's opinion or behavior.

Implicit "Informative" Persuasion

Assures readers the writer is competent, and the info is accurate.

Explicit "Persuasive" Persuasion

Seeks to win readers over to a particular point of view on a controversial issue.

Rhetoric

Language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on the audience.

Pathos

Appeals to emotions and values; invokes empathy and addresses fears/concerns.

Ethos

Appeals to ethics and credibility; emphasizes expertise and fairness.

Logos

Appeals to logic and reason; uses facts, statistics, and authoritative sources.

Classical (Adversarial) Model

Emphasizes logic and aims to win by refuting opposing views.

Rogerian (Collegial) Model

Focuses on empathy and finding common ground to reduce conflict.

Direct Approach

Presents the bottom line first; best for clarity in technical communication.

Indirect Approach

Presents the bottom line last; effective for delivering bad news or requests.

ABC Format

Common structure for workplace letters (Abstract, Body, Conclusion).

A (Abstract)

Brief intro paragraph that identifies the letter's purpose.

B (Body)

Discussion paragraphs that present details and support.

C (Conclusion)

Summarizes the message and encourages action.

Inquiry Letter

Asks questions and requests a reply.

Solicited Inquiry

Response is expected/requested by the receiver.

Unsolicited Inquiry

Receiver did not request the information.

Claim Letter

Requests adjustments for defective goods or poor services.

Routine Claim

Based on clear policies or expectations.

Arguable Claim

May require justification or negotiation.

Adjustment Letter

Response to a claim letter from a customer.

Positive Adjustment Letter

Agrees with the claim and offers resolution.

Negative Adjustment Letter

Denies the claim; must be tactful and clear.

Neutral Letters

Should be absolutely clear about the inquiry or response.

Positive Letters

Should state good news immediately.

Negative Letters

Should buffer the bad news but remain clear.

Promotional/Sales Letters

Designed to market a product or service effectively.

Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public

What is the first principle of the EGBC Code of Ethics?

Ethical dilemma

A conflict among obligations, ideals, and consequences.

Obligations, ideals, consequences

What are the three main sources of ethical conflict?

Investigation report

Identifies a problem and explains how it was studied.

Investigation report answers

"What is the problem?", "What is going wrong?"

Recommendation report

Compares options and recommends one.

Recommendation report answers

"Which of these options should we choose?"

Feasibility study report

Assesses whether a proposed idea or plan will succeed.

Feasibility study answers

"Should we do this?"

Proposal

Tries to convince the reader to adopt an idea, product, or service.

Purpose of proposals

To obtain a contract, funding, or project approval.

Guidelines for Presentations

1. Know your audience and purpose

2. Consider presentation space and time

3. Consider potential questions/objections in advance

4. 4. practice 5. appeal to ethos, pathos, and logos 6. use what we know about human psychology a. present less info b. structure in small chunks c. use what is already in long-term memory d. use visual and verbal channels

Consequences (Ethical Dilemma)

beneficial or harmful, immediate or delayed, intentional or unintentional, obvious or subtle

Ideals (Ethical Dilemma)

loyalty, friendship, courage, compassion, dignity, fairness

Guidelines for Ethical Communication

1. Treat all persons fairly and equally 2. Present information as accurately, objectively, clearly, and honestly as possible 3. Alert readers to all potential drawbacks, detriments, dangers, suggestions, and desired outcomes

Contextual (Origin of Ethical Failures)

the system in which one operates, and which shapes our moral character

Personal (Origin of Ethical Failures)

factors in organizations that bring out the worst in us: power, money, and fear

Relational (Origin of Ethical Failures)

dysfunctional group dynamics, “groupthink”, which cause people to condone things that, if they were alone, they would consider innapropriate

blindness (Origin of Ethical Failures)

faults in our cognitions that cause us to behave unethically without realizing we are doing so

Adversarial Persuasion Structure

introduce topic → explain facts and issues → state your case → refute other position → summarize your arguments and refutations

Collegial Persuasion Structure

present conflicts as a problem to be solved → provide a fair summary of other positions → state your case → describe context in which your position has value → benefits to other person