Technical Communication Program

The Technical Communication Program (TCP), in Huang Engineering 049, is a writing and public speaking resource center for Stanford students of all levels.

The TCP offers individual consulting and coaching in addition to a range of courses to help Stanford students become more effective and confident writers and presenters.

The TCP’s experienced and supportive instructors provide feedback on most types of documents (e.g., fellowship proposals, journal articles, statements of purpose) and presentations (e.g., dissertation defenses, pitches) and are familiar with the forms of STEM communication. The TCP also provides support for School of Engineering courses (including WIM courses) and offers workshops on various aspects of technical communication. Our services are primarily designed for students in engineering, but we welcome students from across the university. See a brief video introduction to the TCP:

If you are interested in a remote consultation about a document or presentation, please click on the Consulting request form button below to submit a webform. Because we work with many courses and students and review written material before meeting students, please submit your request well in advance of your due date. 

Consulting request form 

Applying for the NSF GRFP?  Link to NSF Webinar:

https://tinyurl.com/24kzkye3

TCP courses

ENGR 202S: Directed Writing Projects (Individual Writing Instruction) 

1-unit non-lecture writing instruction. Offers students one-on-one weekly writing workshop with a Technical Communication Program instructor. For students working on writing projects such as fellowship or grant applications, dissertations, journal or conference papers, honors or engineering theses, and teaching and research statements. Weekly meetings are structured around the student’s project(s) and writing needs. Students receive in-depth feedback on their writing and learn how to write and revise more effectively. Offers students a helpful framework for completing writing projects and improving their writing skills. No prerequisite. Grading: S/NC. May be repeated for credit. 1 unit. Offered autumn, winter and spring.

ENGR 202W: Technical Communication

This course focuses on how to write clear, concise, and organized technical writing. Through interactive presentations, group workshops, and individual conferences, students learn best practices for communicating to academic and professional audiences for a range of purposes. Designed for graduate students. 3 units. Offered autumn, winter and spring.

ENGR 102W: Technical and Professional Communication (Writing for Engineers)

Effective communication skills will help you advance quickly. Learn the best technical and professional techniques in writing and speaking. Group workshops and individual conferences with instructors. Designed for undergraduates going into industry. Allowed to fulfill WIM for Atmosphere/Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering majors only. Designed for undergraduates. 3 units. Offered spring. Also listed asCEE 102W.

ENGR 100: Teaching Public Speaking 

The theory and practice of teaching public speaking and presentation development. Lectures/discussions on developing an instructional plan, using audiovisual equipment for instruction, devising tutoring techniques, and teaching delivery, organization, audience analysis, visual aids, and unique speaking situations. Weekly practice speaking. Students serve as apprentice speech tutors. Those completing course may become paid speech instructors in the Technical Communications Program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor To schedule an interview, contact Matt Vassar. 3 units. Offered winter and spring.

ENGR 103/203: Public Speaking 

Priority to Engineering students. Introduction to speaking activities, from impromptu talks to carefully rehearsed formal professional presentations. How to organize and write speeches, analyze audiences, create and use visual aids, combat nervousness, and deliver informative and persuasive speeches effectively. Weekly class practice, rehearsals in one-on-one tutorials, videotaped feedback. Limited enrollment.3 units. Offered autumn, winter and spring.

School of Engineering course support

In addition to its writing and public speaking courses, the TCP provides tutorial support for writing and speaking activities in the School of Engineering’s undergraduate and graduate courses, including WIM courses. Collaborating with course instructors, we customize support to meet the needs and learning aims of the course.

We are also available to consult with faculty on assignment design, to give in-class presentations or workshops on writing or presentations, and to mentor TAs on how to respond to student writing or presentations.