Effective Communication for the Technical Professions is a textbook for Canadian students in engineering and other technical degree programs. Unlike most technical communication texts which rely on memorized precepts and templates, this book places practice firmly on a foundation of underlying principles and theory, emphasizing the interpersonal, social, and political dimensions of professional interaction and building the skills needed to assess and respond appropriately to complex or unfamiliar situations. In addition to covering the writing and editing process, the creation of technical instructions and descriptions, the formatting of formal and informal reports and lab books, its unique features include a comprehensive treatment of ethics in professional practice and a host of real-life case studies in communication to help students identify salient communication issues and respond appropriately to them.