Essential Communication Strategies for Scientists, Engineers, and Technology Professionals, Second Edition

HERBERT L. HIRSCH began his career at Systems Research Laboratories (now part of Veridian Corporation) in Dayton, Ohio, and rose to the position of Senior Engineer. Mr. Hirsch has also served as an Engineering Group Leader for Quest Research Corporation, Director of Systems Engineering for Applications Research Corporation, Director of Engineering for Defense Technology, Inc., and Chief Engineer for MTL Systems, Inc. He has also authored and coauthored books on radar antenna simulation, statistical signal processing, hardware description languages, and electronic countermeasures. Mr. Hirsch currently operates his consulting business, Hirsch Engineering and Communications, Inc., from his home in Vandalia, Ohio.

Preface. Preface to the First Edition. Acknowledgments. Introduction to the Art of Communication. PART I: The Written Document--Prose and Panic. Chapter 1: Planning the Document. Making the Connection Establishing the Flow Providing the Reinforcement Zero--Time Planning Chapter 2: Acquiring a Healthy Writing Attitude. Preparing to Write. Anticipating the Readers' Needs. Enthusiasm: Enjoying It and Avoiding Writer's Block. Zero--Planning Attitude Adjustments: Theirs, Not Ours! Chapter 3: Producing the Document. Simplicity: Why Overcomplicate the Task? Isolation: Get Away from the Interruptions. Zero--Time Preparation Techniques: They Get What They Pay For! PART II: The Formal Presentation--Dissertation or Disaster. Chapter 4: Planning the Presentation. Making the Connection. Providing the Flow and Reinforcement. Zero--Time Planning. Chapter 5: Acquiring the Successful Presentation Attitude. Preparing to Present. Taking the Proper Precautions. Developing a Healthy Indifference. Zero--Planning Attitude Adjustments. Chapter 6: Conducting the Presentation. Poise. Confidence. Dignity. Zero--Preparation Presenting. Handling the Video Teleconference. PART III: The Informal Discussion--Meetings and Mishaps. Chapter 7: Planning for the Meeting. Attending or Avoiding Meetings. Filtering Meetings. Planning the Meeting. Zero--Time Planning. Chapter 8: Acquiring a Meeting Attitude. Preparing. Anticipating the Unexpected. Zero--Planning Attitude Adjustments. Chapter 9: Participating in the Meeting. Starting the Meeting. Interacting in the Meeting. Finishing the Meeting. Zero--Preparation Techniques. How to Plan and Conduct the Meeting Yourself. PART IV: Cross--Culture Communication Bridging the Gap. Chapter 10: Understanding a Communication Culture Gap. Negating Troublesome Differences. Leveraging Useful Similarities. Communicating Effectively. Chapter 11: Writing for Any Readership. Getting in Character. Getting Back to the Basics. Staying on Track. Zero--Time Techniques. Chapter 12: Presenting to Any Audience. Planning for the Unknown. Getting Acquainted. Keeping Together. Zero--Planning Techniques. Chapter 13: Meeting with Anyone or Any Group. Preparing for the Encounter. Generating Comfort. Making It Enjoyable for Everyone. Zero--preparation Techniques. Chapter 14: Conclusion. Index. About the Author.