Developing professional communication skills
Simple ways to communicate more clearly at work
Clear communication is a skill you can practice. These habits help in interviews and on the job.
3 min read
Say the main point first
Whether you are writing an email or answering a question, begin with what matters most, then add the details. People can follow you more easily when they know where you're going.
Listen, then check
Good communication begins with listening. If you're unsure what someone means, repeat it in your own words: "So the main concern is the deadline, is that right?" In an interview, it's also fine to pause and think before you answer.
Choose simple words
Simple language doesn't make you sound less professional. Avoid unexplained abbreviations, keep sentences short, and imagine you are explaining the idea to a smart friend from a different field.