How do you enhance structural engineering communication?

I have also found it useful to remember that those I am working with are human beings at the end of the day. Being conscious of their role, but taking that away and speaking to them openly and casually, like I would outside of the professional environment, has helped build trust both with clients and colleagues. Approaching all communication through emails and other formal methods takes away the human connection needed for effective collaboration based on my experience.

Engineering drawings are the language of engineers. We should strive to develop content driven drawings which can be provided to all the involved entities. Bombardment of information in drawings becomes curtain to the important specifications.

To find out the needs and expectations it is important to ask the 'why' of the needs. The 'why' will make clear what the value is of the needs. If you know the value, you understand the need and you will communicate on the same level with the stakeholders. Manage this value. This will be the way to success.

I have found when problems arise as they often do within a project it is even more important to communicate even more all the while staying positive and honest to maintain a hopefully healthy trusting working relationship. Often separating the topic of how (and why) the problem arose (i.e. responsibilities) from the conversation of solving the issue, I have found to be helpful in maintaining a positive working environment.

In the construction field, not all stakeholders are technical people. They know business but not all the technical know-how in the construction industry. Not all workers at the site know how to properly read the plans and know what was stated in the specifications and structural codes. With this, it is essential to know your audience for you to relay/interpret ideas in layman's terms or through drawings to ensure that the information will be disseminated properly so that everyone is on the same page.

I've always found different situations merit different methods of communication, but also that I am effective at communicating in certain styles. For example my sketches aren't the best, but I can verbalise my intentions well. I would always say to communicate in ways that you are strong in, whilst practicing other methods in more relaxed or casual professional environments.

Multiple modes of communication are very much important ,as each mode of communication is having their own pros and cons. To proceed ahead in any particular project ,whatever mode of communication we adopt , at last it should get recorded properly either in mail or in some log book ;so that every involved entity can remain on same page while discussing the ‘taken decisions’.

I have found that verbal communication can be very effective to discuss and converge to a design solution all project partners agree with. However, it can also be helpful to send a summary of the verbal discussion afterwards of your own understanding/conclusions of the discussion. That way I have found misunderstandings can be sorted out earlier and more effectively.

I agree with you. It also relates to ones knowledge of the audience. All the different channels and method of communication have the context they best serve. Understanding this is a critical skill for every professional especially a structural engineer. When communicating technical matters to technical team, discipline and industrial terms are welcome with open channels for feedback mechanism. Also Written and graphic communication though takes more time are better to ensure precision and reduce risk. When communicating non-technical issues, verbal communications tailored to suit should be encouraged. Inter-twined is the non-verbal communication which is very essential for team and community building that every project needs.

In my field of work, communication is the most important factor overall, you may be very good technically but in communication styles you don't have the required skills to deliver your ideas, also in comparison between verbal, visual & written communication, i learnt that verbal is the most important, as many visual or written sketchs may not be clear and need more verbal clarification.

My experience has also taught me to be clear on what you don't know, or need clarification on from somebody else. If that isn't clearly identified, then it can mislead people and cause further issues down the line. Presentation can also be key, but you would also not want it to take away from you when you are presenting. It's not worth reading from a report or slides to a client when it's better to be able to talk them through imagery. This isn't the case with technical reports etc

Precision and clarity is important to good communication. Too much words or winding disconnects the audience, it is also interpreted as a sign of shallow knowledge on the subject matter by the audience. Active voice and positive tone ensures engagement and participation from the listener. When mixed with structured and organized presentation, it will facilitate understanding and commitment from the listener. These skills do not come natural to many. The structural engineer must practice daily on or off engineering to improving his or her communication skills, both in written, verbal and nonverbal sense.

I would again add that it's important to acknowledge what you don't know, or what you are assuming. Something that has always been helpful to me is knowing everyone makes mistakes, and not to fear that, but also support people when they do. This means if you aren't accurate or consistent 100% of the time, then you're less likely to face ridicule, and more likely to be supported back.

A key to being respectful to me is controlling my emotions. I believe we communicate best when we are aware of how we are feeling in that moment, and being able to control how we engage with a situation. Emotional intelligence is an art and a skill that is highly underestimated in my opinion.

For me the key to being respectful and responsive is to control my emotions understanding that it is not personal. Tactical empathy is a art and skill that is highly effective and often underappreciated. One key to effectively utilizing tactical empathy that I have found particularly useful is to work towards getting a "that's right!" instead of a "you're right". It is a little difference but a "that's right!" makes every member of the team feel like they had a impact on coming up with the solution.

working in the oil and gas industry, I have always worked on multi-disciplinary projects. We always end up in a situation where we have to accommodate changes in supports and location. We could also end up re-arranging layouts based on clash detections, constructability issues and changes to the equipments that we support. It is very important in not getting frustrated by these last minute changes, but should develop a learner mindset in accommodating these changes for the betterment of the project. Keep in mind that while making these changes, we should always stick to our structural basics and do not end up sacrificing on the structural integrity.

Addressing ‘Disagreement ‘ is very much important in communication. There could be several incidents where we as structural engineers are not agree with other entities.At that time we should make sure to address our disagreements with proper reasons. Assumptions should not be made between entities ,until and unless our contradictions are not discussed and you have not reached to any common platform.

By learning from others you can enhance your competence and confidence as a structural engineer and be ready to defend your decisions in any situation.