Technical Communication
Unit-3 -- Communication skills for
presentation :writing ,designing & speaking
1. Thesis and Project Report Writing
Purpose:
• Thesis is written to demonstrate deep academic research and original thinking.
• Project Report documents the design, development, and outcomes of a technical or
practical project.
Key Differences:
• Thesis: Research-oriented, academic, analytical.
• Project Report: Application-based, technical, result-focused.
Common Structure:
• Title Page
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Literature Review (mainly for thesis)
• Methodology
• Results and Analysis
• Conclusion and Recommendations
• References
• Appendices
Tips for Writing:
• Use formal and clear language.
• Include diagrams, charts, and tables to support data.
• Keep a logical flow from introduction to conclusion.
• Number your headings (e.g., 1.0, 1.1).
• Follow formatting rules given by the college.
Mistakes to Avoid:
• Copy-pasting (Plagiarism).
• Skipping essential sections like conclusion or abstract.
• Poor formatting or unreferenced content.
• Using overly technical or complex language unnecessarily.
2. Technical Proposal Writing
Purpose:
To present a proposed solution or plan for a technical problem, product, or project, often to
seek approval or funding.
Where It’s Used:
• Final year and minor projects.
• Applying for industrial support or funding.
• In companies for new design, process, or service ideas.
Types of Technical Proposals:
• Solicited: Requested by an organization.
• Unsolicited: Offered independently.
• Internal: For use within a company.
• External: Sent to clients or stakeholders.
Structure:
• Title Page
• Executive Summary
• Introduction/Background
• Problem Statement
• Objectives
• Proposed Solution/Method
• Timeline
• Budget/Resources
• Conclusion and Call to Action
Do’s and Don’ts:
Do’s:
• Be concise and structured.
• Use clear headings and bullet points.
• Tailor the proposal to the specific audience.
Don’ts:
• Don’t skip the budget or timeline.
• Avoid vague or unsupported claims.
• Don’t use informal language or excessive jargon.
3. How to Pitch an Idea: Process, Preparation and
Structure
Importance:
• Helps students present projects, startup ideas, and solutions effectively.
• Useful for competitions, interviews, and presentations.
Process:
1. Define the core message or idea.
2. Know your audience and their expectations.
3. Create a structured and clear pitch.
4. Practice and deliver confidently.
Preparation Tips:
• Rehearse your pitch with a timer.
• Use short and focused slides if needed.
• Be ready to answer questions.
• Make eye contact and speak clearly.
Structure of a Good Pitch:
• Hook/Opening: Start with a question, story, or surprising fact.
• Problem Statement: What issue are you solving?
• Solution: Your idea, product, or approach.
• Evidence: Any data, examples, or references.
• Call to Action: End with what you want the listener to do.
4. Elements of Speech Delivery: Passion, Poise &
Illustrations
Passion:
• Show excitement and belief in your topic.
• Enthusiasm grabs attention and keeps listeners engaged.
Poise:
• Maintain confident posture.
• Use clear voice and steady eye contact.
• Avoid nervous habits or fillers like “uh” or “umm”.
Illustrations:
• Use examples, diagrams, and real-life stories.
• Visuals make abstract ideas easier to understand.
• Stories make your message more memorable.
Why It Matters:
Good communication is not just about what you say, but how you say it.
When giving a speech, your delivery style can make a big difference in how well your
message is understood and remembered.
These three key elements — passion, poise, and illustrations — help you connect with your
audience effectively.
1. Passion: Speak with Energy and Emotion
Passion means expressing genuine interest, enthusiasm, and belief in what you are saying.
It brings your speech to life and makes the audience more engaged.
How to Show Passion:
• Vary your tone (don’t speak in a flat, robotic voice).
• Emphasize key words or phrases.
• Use facial expressions that match your message.
• Share personal experiences or real-life relevance to your topic.
Example:
While talking about innovation in engineering, don’t just list facts — speak about how it
inspires change, or how one invention transformed lives.
Without passion, even the best ideas can sound dull.
2. Poise: Confidence in Body Language and Voice
Poise means staying calm, composed, and confident while speaking.
It reflects your control, maturity, and professionalism.
How to Maintain Poise:
• Stand tall and keep a balanced posture.
• Use natural hand gestures — don’t overdo them.
• Maintain steady eye contact with different parts of the audience.
• Keep your voice clear, loud enough, and at a moderate speed.
• Avoid fidgeting, pacing, or looking at the floor.
Tip:
If you forget a word or line, pause, take a breath, and continue. Don’t panic — stay relaxed.
Poor poise can distract your audience and weaken your credibility.
3. Illustrations: Support Ideas with Visuals and Examples
Illustrations make your message easier to understand and more memorable.
They can be in the form of examples, analogies, visuals, stories, or demonstrations.
How to Use Illustrations Effectively:
• Use real-life examples or simple analogies.
• Add diagrams, charts, pictures, or videos if you are using slides.
• Use short stories or incidents related to your topic.
• Keep illustrations relevant — they should support your main point.
Example:
If you are giving a talk on renewable energy, show a graph of rising global energy demand,
or share an inspiring story of a village powered by solar panels.
Don’t overload your talk with too many visuals or off-topic stories.
Summary:-
Element What It Means How It Helps
Passion Speaking with energy and emotion Inspires and connects with the audience
Poise Calm and confident delivery Builds trust and credibility
Illustrations Using examples, visuals, and stories Makes your message clear and memorable
