With the average adult human brain having the capacity to accumulate the equivalent of 2.5 million gigabytes of memory, we have a way to go before we need to worry about AI replacing us. Yes, technology can automate narrowly defined and predictable tasks but even the world’s smartest machines haven’t fully adapted emotional intelligence and completing complex relational tasks, us humans are still in the lead – by a lot.
[Avoid inflexible and confusing communication at work. Learn more about our flagship program Think on Your Feet!]
Human relationships remain central to success. Which is why despite living in a world where apps can mimic conversation – they are still at a “spellcheck” or “autocorrect” level. You still need someone to ask you how you’re doing.
For that same reason, companies are investing in humans – not just robots.
Creativity, emotional intelligence, communication skills, interpersonal abilities, critical thinking, and relational competences – are all things that set us apart from robots.
And while most industries now require their employees to maintain cross-functional technical fluencies, those same industries also want their employees to be adaptable, critical thinkers who both lead and communicate well.
As technology dependence rises, a key differentiator in business remains soft or interpersonal skills.
Have you ever found yourself caught off guard needing to present a business update, explain an idea to senior leadership or answer a difficult question? Communication skills are the solution to reducing your buffering time and increasing the quality of your delivery.
Communication Skills Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills encompass a variety of aptitudes that have become essential to a successful career. In today’s fast-paced, ever evolving workplace – soft skills are now a key to stand out.
In one workplace study, “92% of companies report that human capabilities or soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills in today’s business world” (Forbes, 2024). Separate research notes that 84% of employees and managers believe new employees must possess soft skills and demonstrate them in the hiring process (Forbes, 2024).
Soft skills go beyond the specialized knowledge, technical abilities, and competencies we learn in school. They include:
- Communication – spoken and written
- Public speaking, presentations
- Leadership
- Confidence
- Empathy
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
These skills carry through into many aspects of day-to-day life. We humans navigate and solve problems daily. To do so successfully, we often must think quickly and identify what’s most important. Leading with strong interpersonal skills and communicating with Clarity, Brevity, and Impact® can go a long way.
How do Communication Skills Apply in Business?
Skills such as clear communication allow you to better navigate complex conversations and interactions. Learning and nurturing these skills contribute to building strong relationships, fostering teamwork, resolving conflict, enhancing creativity, driving innovation, improving decision-making, just to name a few.
These skills are crucial at every step of your career. You may have a mile-long resume filled with accolades and perfectly matched experience, but if your audience feels alienated, confused, or disinterested you won’t get very far.
A built-in bonus, communication skills are highly transferrable. A skill developed during one career will apply to other industries and support future success. In fact, a study by the National Soft Skills Association found that 85% of job success is determined by soft skills, while only 15% is determined by technical abilities (University of Calgary, 2024).
How Can I Improve My Communication Skills?
Soft skills can be learned and further developed at any point in your journey – there is always more to learn.
Our resources include:
- Free learning events, join us at the next one
- Recent blog: How to speak Like a Pro
- Public courses for individual learners, see our upcoming learning calendar
Curious about these skill-building McLuhan & Davies workshops? Learn more here:
- Think On Your Feet® teaches participants how to structure thoughts to enable clear, concise delivery that makes an immediate impact on the listener.
- The Skilled Presenter™ focuses on how to engage your audience and perform with impact.
Invest in your interpersonal skillset today, elevate your communication, and thrive tomorrow!