Kendra Wormald, B.A., M.Sc (S-LP), Reg. CASLPO

Your boss asks you a question on the spot and, despite knowing the answer, you stumble over your words. You talk about something you know well, but end up over-explaining, repeating your point, or sounding less certain than you feel. You go to share an opinion, then your mind goes blank and the words disappear. Sound familiar? This article outlines why this gap happens, and how specific communication patterns can either support or undermine how your knowledge is perceived.

Pausing is a nonverbal communication skill many of us fear and avoid. But what if we’ve been looking at silence all wrong. What if it could be a skill that separates us from the rest. A tool used to capture attention, convey thoughtfulness and showcase well-planned speech. What if instead of shying away from pauses in communication, you learned to embrace and leverage them to command every room you enter.

What is professional gravitas? Learn how clarity, calmness, and credibility in speech help executives command attention and influence in workplace communication.

Effective communication doesn’t happen just by luck. There are several unspoken rules that we often unconsciously crave while in conversation. If during a conversation you’ve ever thought, “just get to the point”, “say what you mean” or “this could have been an email”, you’ve spotted these guidelines, or “maxims” at play.

What communication skills are needed for chairing meetings? Learn about facilitation techniques, managing discussions, and leadership communication for effective meetings.