1. Whitmore/Stevenson: Strategies for Engineering Communication 1 of 7 Planning Strategies Begin as soon as possible

2. Whitmore/Stevenson: Strategies for Engineering Communication 2 of 7 Issues of Time Management  When you will do any necessary research?  How long it will take to draft the document?  Whether the document will go through a peer or client review (often a slow process)?  How long it will take to prepare and duplicate the final document?  How much time is required to deliver the document?

3. Whitmore/Stevenson: Strategies for Engineering Communication 3 of 7 Time Management for Reports Planning guidelines for writing a 50 page technical report Organization and research5 days25% Drafting3 days15% Peer review1 day05% Revising and editing5 days25% Formatting and duplication2 days10% Delivery by courier1 day05% Contingency3 days15%

4. Whitmore/Stevenson: Strategies for Engineering Communication 4 of 7 Time Management Example of a Gantt chart

5. Whitmore/Stevenson: Strategies for Engineering Communication 5 of 7 Procrastination The consequences of procrastination

6. Whitmore/Stevenson: Strategies for Engineering Communication 6 of 7 Dealing with Procrastination  Overcome a dislike of writing by focusing on positive goals.  Deal with the uncertainty of getting started by asking questions.  Replace a desire for perfection with a quest for excellence.  Deemphasize potential criticism by viewing your drafts as provisional.  Distinguish between procrastination and incubation.

7. Whitmore/Stevenson: Strategies for Engineering Communication 7 of 7 Rhetorical Issues and Planning  Consider audience, purpose, and tone  Use standard forms when required  Determine an appropriate perspective: PerspectivePossible Uses 1 st Person (I, We, Organization)Letters, memos, reports, proposals 2 nd Person (You)Manuals, procedures, letters 3 rd Person (She/He, They, One)Reports, legal documents No Person (Passive Voice)Scientific reports & articles, specs.