With so much workplace attention focused on the rise of AI, new tools and the pace of digital transformation, it’s easy to overlook one of the most consistently in-demand professional skills: communication.
But the reality is that most of us spend the bulk of our working days communicating through emails, meetings, messages, reports and conversations. In fact, research suggests professionals spend up to 80% of their time doing just that. And when communication goes wrong, the consequences can be significant. Projects stall, teams lose focus, relationships break down, and mistakes get made.
In an increasingly hybrid and complex working world, strong communication isn’t a "nice to have". It’s a professional skill that underpins just about everything else.
Communication is the hidden engine of good work
Whether you're managing a team, collaborating across departments or delivering outcomes to clients, communication is at the heart of how things get done. It shapes how people understand tasks, respond to change and resolve issues. It influences how we build trust, share knowledge and drive results.
Strong communication is also a core driver of employee engagement and culture. According to research from McKinsey, teams that communicate well are more productive and more aligned, especially in hybrid or remote settings.
And it's not just relevant for people in leadership or client-facing roles. Whether you're an analyst presenting data, a project coordinator managing stakeholders, or a technical specialist writing documentation, your ability to communicate with clarity and purpose matters.
What it really means to be a strong communicator
It’s easy to confuse good communication with being a ‘good talker’; someone who’s confident, persuasive or charismatic. But strong communication isn’t about dominating the conversation. It’s about creating shared understanding.
That means being able to express ideas clearly and succinctly, in a way that’s appropriate to the audience. It also means being a strong listener able to read tone and context, interpret non-verbal cues and pick up on what’s not being said.
Strong communicators show empathy. They’re responsive rather than reactive. And they have the ability to adjust their tone, format or language depending on the channel and the situation. It’s this ability to meet others where they are, and help bring clarity to complexity, that makes the difference.
Tactics strong communicators use
Strong communication is a skill, not a talent. And like any skill, it can be built with practice. Here are a few tactics that strong communicators use consistently:
They ask before assuming. Questions are a powerful tool, not just for gathering information, but for showing interest and keeping conversations constructive.
They tailor their message. A good communicator doesn’t use the same tone or level of detail with a client, a colleague and a senior leader. They adjust for relevance, clarity and impact.
They listen actively. That means focusing on what’s being said without planning your next response, and looking out for what’s unsaid or unclear.
They simplify without dumbing down. Whether presenting data or explaining a process, strong communicators help others make sense of complex information.
They check for understanding. Rather than assuming people are on the same page, they summarise and clarify, especially when working remotely or across teams.
Small habits also go a long way. Strong communicators plan what they want to say. They pause before responding. They use plain language. And they take the time to ensure others feel heard.
Strong communication supports stakeholder engagement
Communication is one of the most critical elements of effective stakeholder engagement, but it’s just one part of the picture. Understanding different stakeholder perspectives, navigating competing interests and building long-term trust all require a mix of interpersonal and strategic skills.
If you want to explore these in more depth, the UTS Open short course Engaging with Stakeholders: Tools and Tactics offers practical guidance on how to map, influence and manage stakeholder relationships in complex environments. You’ll learn how to tailor communication for different stakeholder groups, facilitate collaborative dialogue, and manage risks through early engagement and structured planning.
