Technical Communication: Writing, Sketching, and Presenting

Why Technical Communication Matters in Drafting

A drawing that no one can understand is worthless. In manufacturing and marine environments, a misread dimension or a missed revision note can result in scrapped material, vessel damage, or injury. Technical communication—written, graphic, and verbal—bridges the gap between the drafter's intent and the fabricator's action. This lesson gives you practice with all three forms.

Writing a Technical Memo

The memo (memorandum) is the standard internal document used to record decisions, document drawing revisions, and assign action items. A correctly formatted engineering memo contains these elements in order:

• TO: Full name and title of the recipient
• FROM: Your full name and title
• DATE: Written out (e.g., June 12, 2025)
• SUBJECT: A short, specific description (e.g., "Revision B — Bracket Assembly DWG-4412")
• BODY: One to three short paragraphs stating the purpose, the change made, and the reason
• ACTION ITEMS: A numbered list of specific tasks, each with a responsible party and a due date

Use trade-specific language precisely. Avoid vague phrases like "we fixed the drawing." Instead write: "Revision B updates the tolerance on the bore diameter from ±0.010 in to ±0.005 in per the revised ASME Y14.5 callout on Sheet 2, Zone C4." Spell out abbreviations the first time they appear. Keep sentences short and active. Proofread for subject-verb agreement and correct punctuation before submission.

Peer Review: Before you submit, exchange your memo with a partner and score it on the provided rubric. Peer review is a professional habit used in engineering firms and shipyards. You will receive the same review in return. Honest, respectful feedback improves the final product.

Producing a Freehand Orthographic Sketch

Freehand sketching is a core drafter skill used in design reviews, red-line markups, field notes, and client meetings where a computer is not available. A three-view orthographic sketch communicates an object's shape by showing it from three perpendicular directions arranged in third-angle projection (the standard in the United States):

• Front view: The most descriptive face; placed lower-left
• Top view: Directly above the front view
• Right-side view: Directly to the right of the front view

Follow ASME line conventions:

| Line Type | Weight | Use |

|---|---|---|

| Visible (object) line | Thick (0.7 mm equiv.) | Edges you can see |

| Hidden line | Medium, dashed | Edges hidden from view |

| Center line | Thin, long-short-long dash | Axes of symmetry, holes |

| Dimension/extension line | Thin | Dimensions |

When sketching by hand use an H pencil for light construction and guide lines and an HB pencil for final visible and hidden lines. Apply steady, consistent pressure; rotate the paper rather than your wrist for difficult angles.

Dimensions: Add only the three most critical dimensions. Write the dimension numeral above the dimension line, with arrowheads touching extension lines. Dimension strings must not cross each other unless unavoidable. Use decimal inch or millimeter format consistently throughout the sketch.

Title Block: Even on a freehand sketch, a hand-drawn title block in the lower-right corner is expected in professional practice. Include: part name, drawing number, scale (NONE or NTS for sketches), date, and your name.

Delivering a Verbal Presentation of a Drawing

A drafter is often asked to walk a fabricator, inspector, or project manager through a drawing verbally. This skill is especially important in marine and manufacturing settings where shop-floor communication is fast and loud. A two-minute verbal presentation should follow this structure:

1. Identify the part — name, drawing number, revision level

2. State the purpose — what the part does and where it fits

3. Describe key features — major geometry, holes, profiles, welds

4. Call out critical dimensions — those that affect fit, function, or safety

5. Note any revisions — what changed, why, and on which sheet or zone

Use a laser pointer to direct your audience's eyes precisely to the area you are describing. Say "Zone B3, upper-right corner" rather than "over here on the right." Use correct terminology from the trade glossary. Avoid filler words ("um," "like," "you know"). Speak at a pace your audience can follow; two minutes is enough time to be thorough without rushing.

After your presentation, peers complete a structured feedback form rating clarity, correct terminology, and confidence. This feedback is not a grade; it is data you use to improve.

Safety in the Communication Environment

While this lesson does not involve power tools or heavy equipment, workplace safety still applies:

• Eye safety: Laser pointers are Class 2 devices. Never point a laser pointer at a person's eyes. Point only at the projected screen.
• Ergonomics: When sketching for extended periods, adjust your seat height and drawing surface to keep your wrist neutral and your back supported. Take short breaks to prevent repetitive-strain injuries.
• Housekeeping: Keep pencil shavings and paper scraps off the floor to prevent slips.

Connecting to Your Credentials

The Autodesk Certified User and Autodesk Certified Professional exams both require you to interpret and communicate drawing content, including revision management and annotation conventions. The CSWA exam tests your ability to read and understand part geometry, which directly supports both sketching and verbal description skills. Employers in manufacturing and marine drafting routinely list clear written and verbal communication as a hiring requirement alongside CAD proficiency.