By Wayne Kalayjian, P.E., S.E., M.ASCE
I wish I’d known far sooner in my career that engineering is as much about the art of persuasion as it is about the ideas we develop.
Yes, we are part of a long and noble tradition that places special emphasis on applied science and mathematics to pragmatically solve the most stubborn problems of the everyday world.
We design vast transportation networks to connect global populations, we create complex energy grids that fuel our economies, and we provide other necessities of life, such as resilient water systems for drinking and sanitation.
It is rewarding to be part of this community of civil engineers who produce solutions that shape modern society and make the world a better place.
Yet I have also observed that the best engineers are skilled in more than just their technical craft. They tend to be experts in the written and spoken word as well. They realize that innovative designs and solutions must be “sold” to an assortment of stakeholders, including those with differing objectives and alternative points of view.
These engineers understand the power of persuasion, the need for a compelling story that makes the case for their technical solutions, told in simple, convincing language and colorful visuals.
Looking back over my engineering career, I see that my professional circle has included many people I never anticipated, such as politicians, environmentalists, attorneys, financiers, and publishers — most of whom have little scientific training. So, by necessity, I’ve had to convey my ideas and analytics through techniques in written or spoken presentations.
But writing and speaking well are hard work and take considerable practice, especially to convey complicated concepts in science and mathematics. So, my challenge to all engineers, no matter their technical discipline or stage of career, is to become better communicators.
We form a global community, possess a treasury of practical and technical knowledge, and tackle some of the greatest challenges in the world. Surely, we can also learn the essential skills of language. Because these skills are the first steps to persuasion, and persuasion is a journey worth taking.
Wayne Kalayjian, P.E., S.E., M.ASCE, is the managing director for Secretariat Advisors LLP.
