Written by: Lakshmi Mahadevan, Ph.D.
Good communication is more than just talking. It’s about listening, expressing yourself clearly, and showing respect. In the workplace, strong communication builds trust with coworkers and supervisors. It also helps reduce misunderstandings that can cause stress.
When you practice good communication, you gain confidence. Confidence leads to resilience, the ability to bounce back when things get tough.
Everyday Communication vs. Professional Communication
- Every day communication often happens with family and friends. It may be casual, less structured, and forgiving of mistakes.
- Professional communication happens at work, school, or in training. It includes emails, meetings, interviews, and teamwork. Professional communication is more formal, respectful, and focused on clear, accurate information.
Examples of professional communication include:
- Greeting coworkers politely.
- Writing emails without slang and using correct grammar.
- Listening carefully during meetings and waiting for your turn to speak.
- Speaking in a calm, respectful tone, even when stressed.
- Avoiding gossip and sharing only accurate information.
What’s My Understanding and Where Can I Improve?
Take a moment to reflect:
- What does “professional communication” mean to me right now?
- When do I feel confident about my professional communication (email, speaking, meetings)?
- Where do I feel weak or insecure (tone, grammar, listening, body language)?
- What would I like to improve first?
Writing down your thoughts helps you see your starting point and identify growth areas.
Quick Practice for Learners
Today, try one professional communication skill:
- Write an email with a greeting, a clear message, and a closing.
- Or in conversation, practice waiting until the other person finishes speaking before responding.
Notice how you feel afterward. Did you feel more confident?
Tips for Providers: Teaching Resilience Through Communication Skills
Educators, job coaches, and providers can model resilience while teaching communication. Try these approaches:
- Role-Play Scenarios: Create simple workplace situations (job interview, asking for help, giving feedback) and let learners practice both speaking and listening.
- Feedback with Encouragement: Point out strengths first, then give 1–2 areas for growth. Emphasize progress, not perfection.
- Stress-to-Skill Link: Explain how handling communication challenges calmly (e.g., receiving criticism) builds resilience.
- Journaling or Reflection Prompts: Have learners write, “What went well in my communication today?” and “What can I try differently next time?”
- Model Professional Behavior: Use respectful tone, positive body language, and clear language yourself. Learners often mirror what they see.
These teaching strategies help learners not only build skills but also see communication as a tool for resilience when facing stress or setbacks.
Expert Resource for Further Growth
If you want more strategies to strengthen communication in professional settings, this article from Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education is a helpful guide: 8 Ways You Can Improve Your Communication Skills.
Final Thought
Every time you strengthen your professional communication skills, you also build resilience. For learners, it’s about gaining confidence. For providers, it’s about modeling and teaching strategies that prepare adults with disabilities for success at work and in life.
*Image Source: iStockphoto ID 862596824; Cecilie_Arcurs
