In this episode, Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080]sits down with Mike Tinskey [https://www.me.gatech.edu/faculty/tinskey], Professor of the Practice in Mechanical Engineering and Interim Associate Chair for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Georgia Tech, to talk about best practices for communication across power differences in different engineering contexts. 

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Show Notes and Timestamps

 * 01:01 Intro to Topic and Guest
 * 02:55 Defining Power Differences
 * 07:53 Advice for new engineers regarding risk and consequences
 * 09:56 The importance of Audience and Communicating Up in the workplace
 * 13:46 Communicating to direct supervisors and asking questions without signaling incompetence
 * 16:17 Communicating to Executives and how to present information effectively
 * 19:45 Communicating upwards and clear signaling of informing versus requesting decisions
 * 22:49 Students interacting with sponsors and advice for Capstone students
 * 25:14 Lateral communications within power structures
 * 28:56 Communicating with machinists and technicians and other specialised roles
 * 30:50 Advice for how new engineers can demonstrate respect for experiential knowledge while also communicating their design goals
 * 33:05 Advice for students as they navigate power differences for the first time
 * 34:53 Importance of listening and receiving communication and the importance of engagement
 * 39:20 Final advice for communicating across hierarchies

A transcript of this episode is available here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bp5Kd9zQf2lgfIuyMLFkapr5eebBy5Eu3haMbBKiiMQ/edit?usp=sharing]. 



Episode Edited by Lee Hibbard.

Engineering Communication Across Power Differences

In this episode, Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080]sits down with Dr. Brandon Dixon [https://www.me.gatech.edu/faculty/dixon], Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies at the Woodruff School and Director of the Laboratory of Lymphatic Biology and Bioengineering [https://llbb.gatech.edu/] at Georgia Tech. The two discuss how undergraduate engineers can get involved with lab work and how best to solicit lab directors for opportunities in different labs. 

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Show Notes and Timestamps:

 * 01:01 Introduction to Topic and Guest
 * 02:05 Value of lab involvement as an undergraduate
 * 04:20 Advice for students interested in labwork and available labs
 * 07:06 How does student communication shape their perception by lab faculty?
 * 11:49 What qualities are lab directors looking for in potential students for labs?
 * 14:03 Which ways of communicating are preferred by faculty?
 * 16:10 How to demonstrate being a good fit for the lab and crafting identity in communication
 * 19:05 Demonstrating readiness and fit without over or underselling yourself
 * 21:16 How can students show preparation if they don’t have any research yet?
 * 23:30 What kind of language signals understanding of research vs. wanting a lab job?
 * 25:33 What are common questions asked during the meeting stage?
 * 27:37 Good questions from students during the meeting
 * 31:28 Good practices for following up after email exchange
 * 33:41 Reasonable window for a next steps follow up email
 * 36:37 How best to communicate a change in plans without burning bridges
 * 38:08 One takeaway piece of advice for students interested in lab research; outro

A list of undergraduate research opportunities is shared here. [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jkSjHwbJJcmKEww45l-GH6E2dSsdGihp/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100075234716198946683&rtpof=true&sd=true]

Take a look at an example email solicitation here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gDK5qfVU6kO0dLry2Doiuz88lA7lhi3E/view?usp=sharing]. 

A transcript of this episode is available here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11fFV6oMBSShJ-Tlm33j8R5ZE0p7uczRtvy1I8mb1b2E/edit?usp=sharing]. 

Episode Edited by Lee Hibbard. 



Soliciting Engineering Lab Involvement

In this episode, Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080] sits down with Georgia Tech alum Foster Finley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fosterfinley/] to challenge the myth that technical communication is objective by examining how engineers make strategic, audience-driven choices in real work. 

Take a look at Foster's book list here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AvTtWcKvUVt8F03beBsrehVP4qVcR4VS/view?usp=sharing].

_

Show Notes and Timestamps:

 * 01:00 Introduction to topic and guest
 * 02:18 Why reading is fundamental for engineers
 * 03:33 Why all communication is rhetorical
 * 08:13 Importance of audience understanding
 * 10:35 Project failure and communication
 * 14:04 Audience as codesigner versus audience as recipient of facts
 * 17:42 Rhetorically skilled engineers in the workplace
 * 22:01 What employers are looking for in technical positions
 * 24:24 Risk of engineers making assumptions
 * 26:14 How students can handle interpreting data and audience influence
 * 28:50 Role of persuasion in an engineer’s job
 * 31:26 How can students practice these principles in everyday communication
 * 34:03 Advice for students preparing for cross functional roles and internships
 * 37:43 Engineering as building and as advocacy
 * 40:33 One nontechnical book you would assign engineers to read
 * 42:14 Wrap up and importance of rhetorical consideration, reading

A Transcript of this episode is available here. 

Episode edited by Lee Hibbard. 

Engineering Communication is Rhetorical

In the season 4 premiere, Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080] sits down with returning guest Dr. Amit S. Jariwala [https://www.me.gatech.edu/faculty/jariwala] and new guest and fellow instructor Marty Jacobson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-jacobson-cswe/] to discuss the conventions of Design Communication. The episode covers how early-career engineers make communication decisions as they move from "student writing" into professional practice, design teams, and real constraints. 

_

Show Notes and Timestamps:

 * 01:00 Welcome and Introductions to Guests - Amit Jariwala and Marty Jacobson
 * 01:36 Communication Design Processes: Creating Specifications
 * 03:27 What defines a strong input or specification
 * 06:27 Role of the spec sheet in early design decisions and how you discuss them
 * 09:02 Common misunderstandings students have about requirements
 * 12:10 examples of good or bad Specs
 * 15:47 Ensuring Measurable Specifications
 * 20:05 How do students talk about design processes to different stakeholders?
 * 20:57 How do students build trust that their designs are feasible and reliable?
 * 22:27 Undercutting utility through qualitative language
 * 25:55 Specific Qualitative Phrases
 * 29:46 advice for students resisting to commit to numbers early in the process
 * 33:43 Advice for students trying to balance flexibility and actionability
 * 38:06 Wrapping up and last points of advice

A transcript of this episode is available here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19lFiOlx95pnSlStvn-9X9Qk0JjR6NYvdEYvh9SH1i7E/edit?usp=sharing].

Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

Design Communication for New Engineers

In the season 3 finale, Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080] sits down with returning guest Dr. David MacNair [https://www.me.gatech.edu/faculty/macnair] and new guest Dr. Caitlin Kelly [https://www.communicationcenter.gatech.edu/caitlin_kelly]. The three discuss the importance of 'training the trainer' and ensuring graduate TAs and communication center tutors have the tools they need to give feedback to the students they work with. 



_

Show Notes and Timestamps:

 * 00:43 Introduction to guests
 * 01:00 Introduction to conversation about training writing reviewers
 * 01:57 How to train the trainer and give constructive feedback
 * 03:14 Distinction between grading and feedback
 * 09:17 How to approach talking to GTAs and Tutors about what they need to know to give feedback on a report or project
 * 15:54 Helping GTAs and Tutors to understand the importance of audience when helping others with their communication
 * 21:54 Difference between client/user focused writing and instructor focused writing
 * 26:48 How to explain how GTAs and Tutors should make clear what major problems are vs other major issues in writing
 * 37:01 Advice for peer reviewers
 * 44:02 Advice for new GTAs and Tutors before they meet with their first students
 * 47:18 What should GTAs tell students when they’re encouraging them to come to the communication center?
 * 51:04 Wrap up and thanks

A transcript of this episode is available here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X926LOvcOH35uMm_k71twVDRcsjdy4A1c2WxUsdc7dw/edit?usp=sharing].

Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.



Reviewing Reports: Training Writing Reviewers

In this episode, Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080]sits down with recent Georgia Tech graduate Keshav Pransukhka [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keshavpransukhka/] to learn more about his experience as an engineering intern and discuss advice for students going into internships for the first time. 



_

Show Notes and Timestamps

 * 00:43 welcome and introduction
 * 01:15 internship information
 * 04:17 First communication expectations and challenges
 * 06:23 Value of communication training in college
 * 07:41 Communicating with different audiences
 * 10:05 Strategies for dealing with different audiences
 * 12:47 Amount of communication during internship
 * 14:07 Slide Design Strategies
 * 17:07 Advice for students when designing slide decks
 * 20:41 Building confidence during internship work
 * 23:36 Advice for students who have yet to have an internship
 * 26:04 Success of communication practice
 * 28:38 Advice to students starting their internships
 * 30:45 What students should understand before their internship



A transcript of this episode is available here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19VHP1UrXfqe9ZBxxLxvk7V4pwltta4pCUTDGJiHxaPk/edit?usp=sharing].

Episode edited by Lee Hibbard. 

Communicating During Engineering Internships

In this episode, Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080]speaks to Russell Ford, [https://standardaero.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Execs_Russell_Ford.pdf] Chairman and CEO of StandardAero and Georgia Tech alumnus, about the importance of communication in leadership. Using Mister Ford's Top Ten Rules for Technical Leadership as a framework, the two discuss strategies for effectively communicating and growing in leadership roles as an engineer.

_

Show Notes and Timestamps:

 * 00:43 Introductions and Guest introductions
 * 01:21 Communication’s importance in leadership
 * 03:14 Evolving views on communication upon entering leadership roles
 * 06:48 Helpful communication habits and tools
 * 08:29 Introduction to Russ Ford’s Top Ten Rules for Technical Leadership
 * 10:48 The rules as they relate to technical communication
 * 17:25 The Rule of Engagement
 * 20:18 The Rule of Focus
 * 22:41 The Rule of Time Management
 * 29:14 The Rule of Responsibility
 * 34:13 Tips for Developing leadership habits early
 * 37:12 Common mistakes early career engineers make
 * 39:12 One Rule that resonates most
 * 43:03 One thing you wish every engineer understood about communication and leadership
 * 43:27 Thanks and outro

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Click here for the full list of Russ Ford's Top 10 Rules for Technical Leadership. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H7a7VkN_FqfeHB81a-HBBQm71qWygTc_/view?usp=sharing]

A transcript of this episode is available here. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/12G1zQErRTJIoB8juxrfWomZwj4ucgWOiIdyiSTCJVbU/edit?usp=sharing]

Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.



Engineering Leadership Communication (with Russell Ford)

In this episode Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080] has a conversation with Kathryn Woods [https://confidentcommunications.net/speaker-profile/] about the principles of confident communication in high stakes scenarios, sharing important strategies for giving effective presentations and forming positive public speaking habits. 



Notes and Timestamps:

 * 00:43 - Introduction and Guest
 * 01:14 - Transition from SLP to Coaching Professionals in Public Speaking
 * 02:34 - How personal experience influences teaching
 * 04:31 - Background in SLP and the Science of Communication Confidence
 * 08:04 - Physical reaction to nerves and public speaking
 * 11:57 - Strategies for staying calm during high stakes speaking situations
 * 14:40 - Voice, Tone and Pacing in presentations
 * 24:31 - Presentation habits that undermine confidence and correcting them
 * 31:43 - Making improvements to long term struggles
 * 40:36 - Final Tips and Notes 

A transcript of this episode is available here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w15FQhTCIA6DhjPao3Bjtn4lYnIFj9JQk4cKt77dm-M/edit?usp=sharing]. 

Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

Speaking with Confidence: How Engineers can Master High Stakes Communication

In the season 3 premiere of Communication Mechanics, podcast host Dr. Jill Fennell [https://www.me.gatech.edu/user/1080] is joined by  Laura Garcia [https://career.gatech.edu/laura-garcia/], Director of Undergraduate Career Education at Georgia Tech. Together they discuss navigating different aspects of Career Fairs from a communication standpoint, detailing information to help students before, during, and after their career fair experience. 

 

Notes and Timestamps:

 * 00:43 Introduction to Topic and Guest
 * 01:51 How Students should prepare for the career fair
 * 03:44 Details for students to include beyond the basics at fairs
 * 09:07 How do students research different communication norms in different industries
 * 09:59 Mapping out career fair day
 * 11:41 The balance between authenticity and tailoring
 * 12:51 What to know about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Scorecards
 * 16:06 The importance of networking skills and non technical skillsets
 * 22:56 Building Rapport quickly at the Career Fair
 * 26:37 Importance of Attire and Dress
 * 29:11 Tracking accomplishments, experiences, and self-reflection
 * 31:14 Addressing Failure and the STAR method
 * 34:57 Followup after the career fair and the importance of thank yous
 * 36:48 Prepping for followup and making notes post conversation with recruiters
 * 38:07 Timeline between fair and interviews
 * 40:06 Underrated communication tips and importance of resources
 * 41:10 Wrap up and access to support and workshops

A transcript of this episode is available here. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l8YO60xBRCLKvgbnCItw-h-eOGbax1Lsz2RI7DO_JBo/edit?usp=sharing]

Podcast edited by Lee Hibbard.



Beyond the Pitch: Communicating Your Engineering Skills at Career Fairs

In the Season 2 Finale, Jill sits down with Dr. Alena Alamgir, [https://www.mse.gatech.edu/people/alena-alamgir] Director of Technical Communication for Materials Science at Georgia Tech. The two discuss preparing documentation and application materials for the highly competitive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, or NSF GRFP. 



Show Notes and Timestamps:

 * 00:54 Intro and Welcome
 * 01:33 The Basics: What is NSF GRFP?
 * 04:07 How many years does the Fellowship fund?
 * 04:59 Restraints on who can apply
 * 05:59 Documentation and Composing Required Documents
 * 13:48 Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts as Criteria in Practice
 * 18:00 Practicing Framing Research Problems to Align with NSF Priorities
 * 20:38 Questions for advisors before applying
 * 22:14 Considering and soliciting recommendation letters
 * 30:13 Preparing for Applicant Workshops and Primary Purpose of Workshop Attendance
 * 36:05 How to get the most out of attending the workshops and actionable steps for applying
 * 39:43 When the solicitation comes out and episode wrap up

A transcript of this episode is available here.  [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ewf_xsyiFd5qeLltbjWDkbyyHfmO9Wh4-Pduq-lVQ_E/edit?usp=sharing]

We will return for Season 3 of Communication Mechanics in the Fall of 2025. 



Episode edited by Lee Hibbard. 

Prepping for NSF GRFP Applications

Welcome to Communication Mechanics! Hosted by the Webb Communication Program at Georgia Tech’s Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. In each episode, we explore how communication shapes the success of  engineers, researchers, and industry professionals.

Join us as we share stories of triumphs, challenges, and the strategies that fuel success. Whether you're a seasoned pro, an aspiring student, or simply passionate about engineering, listen as we demystify compelling communication in the world of mechanical engineering.

Communication Mechanics

Shows