Task 3: The Importance of communication skills for engineers.

  I have paired up with Dong Xuan to both offer our own perspectives on the following quote by Merybeth Miceli, President of Miceli Infrastructure Consulting, USA in 2011. 

    “I contend that we (engineers) are undervalued because of our widespread inability to explain what we do to the general public (and why it is so important). It is one of the hardest goals to accomplish, to be able to boil down difficult concepts into a short and easily understood presentation or elevator pitch”. 

    The way I read and understand the quote is that engineers as a whole tend to be unable to communicate in a manner that the general public can understand as most of the communication relies on the existing knowledge of those conversing. Without such forehand knowledge, one might not offer critical thinking to the conversation at hand. 

    An example from aerospace, a field of particular interest to me, is the concept of lift and the role of aerodynamic devices such as flaps and slats. The calculation of lift involves several complex factors, including air density, wing area, and the coefficient of lift. Engineers use detailed formulas to determine lift, but this complexity is often simplified for general understanding. For instance, it is frequently stated that lift is generated when the airspeed over the upper surface of the airfoil is greater than that below it.

    In conclusion, the challenge engineers face in communicating complex concepts to a non-technical audience often results in oversimplified explanations that overlook critical details, like those involved in lift. This can lead to a superficial understanding of engineering work, causing their contributions to be undervalued. However, the rise of engineers using YouTube and other social media platforms to creatively and engagingly explain these complex concepts is helping to bridge this gap. By making engineering accessible and interesting, these platforms allow engineers to showcase the full depth and significance of their work, enhancing public appreciation and the perceived value of the profession.