The scientist as communicator

To communicate effectively, the scientist or engineer today must be clear in his own mind as to the nature of his audience. In general, he will be concerned with three different audiences — fellow scientists or engineers working in the same field, scientists or engineers working in different fields but at the same professional level, and the public at large. Examples of how data and its significance can be transmitted to these audiences are shown, and some general principles to be followed are suggested. A closer relationship between the scientist or engineer and the technical writer is an important factor in improving technical communication through these varied media.