Professional Communication

Have you ever been in a situation when you were asked a question and you felt your mind went completely blank? You know you know the answer, but the words don’t seem to come out. Often, you may come up with a good answer after the fact, when it is already too late. Maybe this happened during a meeting when someone randomly asked you a question or for your opinion, or when someone asked you a question out of the blue during your presentation, and maybe you said something, but not as clearly and concisely as you would have liked. Sometimes, even the simplest questions can make us blank.

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.

Whether you’re applying for your first role after graduation, returning to work after a break, or pursuing an upgraded position to match your skills better, job interviews can be daunting. Yet with the right preparation — especially focused on communication, confidence, and clarity — you can improve your chances of success. In fact, some research suggests that structured interview skills training improves both verbal and non-verbal communication behaviours during interviews, especially for individuals with speech, language and communication needs.

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

What are the most useful communication acronyms for work? WELL SAID introduces evidence-based tools like WAIT, THINK, and DEAR MAN for clearer interactions.

Why is clear speech more important when working remotely? Learn how video calls affect communication and techniques to improve clarity on Zoom and virtual meetings.

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 are essential professional communication skills? Learn examples and importance of articulation, tone, pacing, and clarity for workplace success.

What makes presentation styles effective? Explore different approaches to public speaking, delivery techniques, and finding your authentic presentation voice.

How do you overcome stage fright? Speech-language pathology insights on managing performance anxiety, breathing techniques, and building confidence for public speaking.

How do you continue communication goals in summer? Learn strategies to maintain speech therapy progress during breaks and summer months for working adults.

How do you succeed in job interviews? Learn what to say, communication strategies, vocal techniques, and confidence-building approaches for interview success.

Why is presenting difficult and how can speech therapy help? Learn about presentation anxiety, vocal techniques, and communication strategies for confident public speaking.

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