Real-Life Communication
As an alternative energy researcher, you produce exceptional work.
But that's not enough. A key part of bringing alternative energy solutions
into real world applications is being able to communicate your ideas to others.
"I have seen many brilliant engineers and scientists that were unable to bring
their great ideas to center stage because a lack of soft skills or communication
skills," says Craig Dunn. He is the president of WellDunn Consulting, a geological
consulting firm.
A lot of what you do as an alternative energy researcher
is highly scientific and technical. You want people to change the way they
use energy, you need them to understand. This means communicating your scientific
ideas in language that is easy for the average person to understand.
"You
need good people skills and should be able to speak to all types of different
people," says Jay Gill. He is the national sales manager for Global Resource
Corporation. It's a research and development company.
"I can't emphasize
how important it is to get your point across and present these ideas," says
Gill.
You are preparing for a presentation and you know that your
audience is not a scientific crowd. You want to rewrite the following paragraph
into language that is easy to understand. Use simple language, leave out any
facts that aren't important and explain any scientific or technical terms.
Tidal energy has yet to be drawn upon to its utmost potential.
Instead of a solar transmission of energy, this renewable energy source is
dependent on lunar gravitation.
These gravitational
forces cause periodic highs and lows. The tidal-mill concept is used to bring
conditions for effective use. The cost/benefit ratio of tidal mills when compared
to hydroelectric river dams has not been maximized. The tidal-mill concept
consists of occluding an estuary or tidal basin with a structure composed
of a powerhouse, a sluiceway section and a solid embankment section.
At
the time of high tide the sluiceways are secured to prevent admittance and
the ebbing sea level causes a head differential between the tidal basin and
the sea. When an adequate head differential is attained, flow is permitted
through the turbo-generators and this continues until the head differential
is no longer forceful enough to drive the turbines.