Technical Communication Resources

On this page you will find a variety of resources discussing key points of technical communication. Each resource contains an explanatory video, explanatory handout, and related exercise sheet. Please use the tabs below to find the information most relevant to your individual or classroom needs. Each section will then contain links to the resources. Check back often because we are regularly adding new resources each semester.

i 3 RESOURCES

LAB REPORTS

Lab Reports are an essential part of communication in STEM. Below are a series of resources to guide your Lab Report from start to finish.

Mines researcher working in the lab

Lab reports featured video

How to approach a lab report

Writing an introduction to a laboratory report

Writing a methods section to a laboratory report

How to write a hypothesis

The purpose of a lab report

Using headings in report organization

Writing a results section

Writing a conclusion

GENERAL WRITING

There are several aspects of writing which can affect the quality of your work. This section focuses on high order concerns such as analysis, incorporating evidence, and organization. Use these resources to create strong and cohesive projects.

Students working on a computer in the library

General writing featured video

Adapting journal articles to form a dissertation

Alternative techniques in report organization

Analyzing evidence

Approaches to collaborative writing

Argumentation

Audience

Avoiding vague language

Biased language

Communicating with a non-technical audience

Conclusion section

Creating a timeline for a scientific manuscript

Credibility: quoting and paraphrasing

Discussion section

General tips for notetaking

General tips for writing in specialized fields

How to write an abstract for a conference

How to write an effective summary

How to write an effective survey

How to write an executive summary

How to write an introduction for a research paper

How to write a personal statement

Identifying and understanding stakeholders

Incorporating reviewer feedback

Interdisciplinary communications

Introduction to editing and revision

Introduction to structuring an academic proposal

The late stages of revision

Literature review

Memo

Outlining a paper

Persuasive STEM writing

Planning for a big paper

Presenting an argument using logos and ethos

Publishing Open-Source Data

Reading a STEM textbook

Research proposal writing

Recommendations section

Results section

Science and public relations

Storytelling and narrative in science writing

Style and formatting for scientific journals

Time management

Transitions

Using Bulleted Lists

Using a dissertation to write journal articles

Using qualitative and quantitative data

Writing abstracts for papers

Writing academic perspectives

Writing formal definitions

Writing instructions for experimental design

Writing an intro in a dissertation or thesis

Writing an journal article collaboratively

Writing a literature review

Writing a professional email

Writing for a STEM audience

Writing synthesis

Writing titles for journal articles

Writing your first paper

CITATION SERIES:IEEE

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) style guide is common in many engineering fields.

The first video explains the nature of a citation. The second video explains how you can incorporate an IEEE citation into your writing. The final video provides you with five tips for IEEE citation style.

Mines students working on computers

Citation featured video

What is a citation

Incorporating citations

5 tips of IEEE citation style

Incorporating References

GRAMMAR

Grammar has the ability to influence the tone, credibility, and accuracy of your message. Use these resources to refine your communication skills at the sentence level.
Students in design working on their lab reports with the professor.

Grammar featured video

Articles

Commas

Complete Sentences

Conciseness

Consistency

Linking Verbs

Passive Voice

Prepositions

Sentence Types

Tone

PRESENTATIONS AND ORAL COMMUNICATION

Oral communication is an essential component of any STEM field. The ability to convey complex ideas in an engaging and accessible manner can greatly influence the way an audience understands your ideas. Use these resources to improve your oral communication and any accompanying presentations.
Students in their NHV class presenting their research.

Presentations and Oral Communication featured video

Active Listening

Adapting a Paper for a Poster Presentation

Asking Effective Questions

Constructive Feedback

Delivering Your Presentation

Editing Errors in Presentations

Effective Powerpoint Presentations

Elevator Pitches

Fielding Questions During Poster Presentations

Nonverbal Communication

Preparing for a Class Discussion

Presenting virtually

Speech Anxiety

Team Communication

Using PowerPoint to Complement Oral Communication

GRAPHICS

Elevate your graphic communication with our resources focusing on key elements like design analysis, effective visual integration, and organizational strategies. Strengthen your projects with concise and impactful guidance.
Students in NHV discussing the text in front of them.

Comparing Data Visually

Creating Charts Using Excel

Effective slide design

How to Use Infographics in a Report

Introduction to Including Graphics

Poster presentation template

Research posters

Visual Graphics in STEM

WRITING PEDAGOGY SUPPORT

This section is designed to provide pedagogy support for writing intensive activities inside and outside the classroom. Use these resources to guide students through interactive exercises that will develop their skills as both writers and communicators.
Students in NHV discussing the text in front of them.

Writing Pedagogy Support featured video

Active Reading

Peer Review Workshop