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Career Catalyst Training Program

The importance of communicating clearly

Competency description

Communication is often taken for granted, yet it is critical given information drives what we do in our workplaces. Regardless of your field or industry, you will likely spend time interacting with people. As a result, your ability to communicate effectively is critical. Communication is your ability to express information clearly and effectively in written and oral forms and use active listening to check for understanding. 

Competency outcomes

  • Model respectful, clear and timely oral and written communication 
  • Adapt one’s communication style to different audiences and/or situations  
  • Analyze information presented in a variety of forms (e.g. words, graphs, charts and diagrams) 
  • Write clearly, effectively and professionally in a variety of contexts and formats (e.g. Emails, presentations, memos, complex technical reports, virtual collaboration platforms, etc.)  
  • Correspond by asking questions to check understanding and viewpoints of others 
  • Utilize existing technologies, tools and resources appropriate to one’s industry and workplace  

Learning activities

It is always a good idea to know your own personal communication style as well as others, so you are better positioned to respond in a way that allows for better two-way communication.   Use the worksheet to review scenarios and identify the types of scenarios.  

Communicating messages or information can be complex as the way in which individuals receive and interpret messages varies.  Learning about passive and active listening will help you remove the barriers associated with miscommunication.  

With more and more communication becoming online vs. Face-to-face is it important to know how to become a better digital communicator.   

With so many noises around us and individuals paying attention to bite-size information, it is important to recognize there are ways to continue to be a better listener. 

Poor listening skills top the list when it comes to barriers to communication. Through the attached survey, short supporting videos, and reflective questions you will identify some of your personal listening barriers and develop strategies to overcome them. 

A single idea can affect change, but only if you convey it in a way that has impact. Storytelling is one way to bring your presentations and talks alive for your audience. 

Learning how to communicate through email is crucial as more and more individuals work online.  There are simple tips to help you so that you send and receive messages in a timely and concise manner.