How do you overcome communication barriers as a structural engineer?

2 Use visual aids

Another way to overcome communication barriers is to use visual aids, such as drawings, diagrams, models, or animations, to supplement your verbal or written communication. Visual aids can help you illustrate the structural concepts, design features, analysis results, or solutions that you want to convey, and make them more understandable and engaging for your audience. Visual aids can also help you avoid misunderstandings, errors, or ambiguities that may arise from verbal or written communication alone. However, you should also make sure that your visual aids are clear, accurate, and consistent with your verbal or written communication, and that you explain them properly.

3 Seek feedback

A third way to overcome communication barriers is to seek feedback from your audience and respond to it appropriately. Feedback can help you assess whether your communication was effective, whether your audience understood your message, and whether they have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. You should also encourage feedback by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, acknowledging different perspectives, and showing respect and appreciation. Feedback can also help you improve your communication skills, as you can learn from your mistakes, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adapt your communication style accordingly.

4 Manage conflicts

A fourth way to overcome communication barriers is to manage conflicts that may arise from your communication with other stakeholders. Conflicts can be caused by various factors, such as different opinions, expectations, interests, or goals, as well as misunderstandings, miscommunication, or misinformation. Conflicts can also affect the quality, efficiency, and safety of the structural engineering project, as well as the relationships and trust among the stakeholders. Therefore, you should try to prevent or resolve conflicts by communicating clearly, honestly, and respectfully, by seeking common ground and mutual benefits, and by using negotiation or mediation skills when needed.

5 Use technology

A fifth way to overcome communication barriers is to use technology to facilitate and enhance your communication with other stakeholders. Technology can help you communicate more effectively, efficiently, and conveniently, especially when you have to deal with remote or diverse audiences, or large or complex projects. For example, you can use email, phone, video conferencing, or online platforms to communicate with your colleagues, clients, or partners, and share information, documents, or feedback. You can also use software, apps, or tools to create, edit, or present your visual aids, or to collaborate, coordinate, or integrate your work with other stakeholders.

6 Keep learning

A sixth way to overcome communication barriers is to keep learning and developing your communication skills. Communication skills are not static, but dynamic and evolving, and they depend on various factors, such as the context, the purpose, the audience, and the medium of communication. Therefore, you should always seek to improve your communication skills by learning from your experience, feedback, or mistakes, by seeking new knowledge or opportunities, by observing or emulating good communicators, and by practicing or experimenting with different communication methods or techniques.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?