Communication Mechanics: A Podcast for Engineers

Communication Mechanics

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Soliciting Engineering Lab Involvement

    In this episode, Dr. Jill Fennell sits down with Dr. Brandon Dixon, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies at the Woodruff School and Director of the Laboratory of Lymphatic Biology and Bioengineering 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.  _ 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; outroA list of undergraduate research opportunities is shared here. Take a look at an example email solicitation here.  A transcript of this episode is available here.  Episode Edited by Lee Hibbard.

    40 min

  2. FEB 23

    Engineering Communication is Rhetorical

    In this episode, Dr. Jill Fennell sits down with Georgia Tech alum Foster Finley 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. _ 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, readingA Transcript of this episode is available here.  Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

    44 min

  3. FEB 9

    Design Communication for New Engineers

    In the season 4 premiere, Dr. Jill Fennell sits down with returning guest Dr. Amit S. Jariwala and new guest and fellow instructor Marty Jacobson 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 adviceA transcript of this episode is available here. Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

    40 min

  4. 11/03/2025

    Reviewing Reports: Training Writing Reviewers

    In the season 3 finale, Dr. Jill Fennell sits down with returning guest Dr. David MacNair and new guest Dr. 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 thanksA transcript of this episode is available here. Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

    52 min

  5. 10/20/2025

    Communicating During Engineering Internships

    In this episode, Dr. Jill Fennell sits down with recent Georgia Tech graduate Keshav Pransukhka 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. Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

    36 min

  6. 10/06/2025

    Engineering Leadership Communication (with Russell Ford)

    In this episode, Jill Fennell speaks to Russell Ford, 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_ Click here for the full list of Russ Ford's Top 10 Rules for Technical Leadership. A transcript of this episode is available here. Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

    44 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    Speaking with Confidence: How Engineers can Master High Stakes Communication

    In this episode Dr. Jill Fennell has a conversation with Kathryn Woods 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.  Episode edited by Lee Hibbard.

    43 min

  8. 09/08/2025

    Beyond the Pitch: Communicating Your Engineering Skills at Career Fairs

    In the season 3 premiere of Communication Mechanics, podcast host Dr. Jill Fennell is joined by  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 workshopsA transcript of this episode is available here. Podcast edited by Lee Hibbard.

    43 min
See All (19)

Ratings & Reviews

About

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.

Information