How does an engineer become good with words? One word at a time.

Long before I knew the word diction, I understood the impact words have on everyday conversation. A simple change of a word could clarify a request or a direction. Adding a few adjectives made the meaning more precise. An adverb communicated the manner of an action. I came by this early understanding by the means my which parents communicated with us. In addition, my father would on occasion pontificate on the clarity of instructions. Napoleon elevated a relatively stupid man to be a general on his staff, the sole reason being that if this man understood the military order Napoleon wrote, it was, indeed, crystal clear–and the couriers were sent forth.

My parents instilled in us during family car trips the need to be absolutely clear. In assisting the driver as a navigator we were instructed to respond “Correct” and never “Right” when confirming a direction. Right: a direction. Correct: a confirmation. Diction mattered. Miscommunication could cause a delay, perhaps panic, and, potentially, an accident.

Learning to crochet and knit in my teenage years from my mother, I came to appreciate the specific language of yarn-overs (YO,) knit two together (k2tog,) and chain 3. Encoded in a shorthand-like a secret code, the patterns directed the sequence of stitches in a row–measuring the length in rows or inches to reach the required dimensions. Maintaining cars with my father, I learned about the precision of technical writing from the owner’s and maintenance manual. Several adjectives before each noun almost drew a picture in your head. However, having that diagram right next to the text enabled you to hold it close to the brake system we worked on.

As an engineer I have written award-winning technical papers and instructions on test methodology for my peers. Clear and precise communication takes time, and people appreciate it. Word usage impacts the clarity of communication. Word usage also reflects and creates a culture. High school teachers made me aware of this in the 1970s, which followed the US civil rights and feminist movements. Learning that diction matters became my basis for becoming an amateur social linguist.

I fervently believe in the power of diction to change culture. Language reflects culture–so, to change the culture, start changing your language.

Have a Productive Day,

Anne Meixner

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