Feeling misunderstood can be one of the most frustrating experiences in life. Whether at work, school, or home, unclear messages often lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and even conflict. That’s why learning how to express your thoughts with clear communication skills is one of the most valuable abilities you can develop — both personally and professionally.
When you speak or write with clarity, you don’t just share information — you create understanding. The best leaders, teammates, and professionals are those who constantly work on improving how they communicate.
In this article, we’ll explore how mastering clear communication skills can transform your career, highlight lessons from inspiring mentors, and give you three actionable habits to communicate more confidently in meetings and teamwork.
Why Clear Communication Skills Matter
Before making any decision or sharing any message, ask yourself: “What is the context?”
The way you speak with your younger sister is very different from how you talk with your manager. It may sound obvious, but many people overlook this basic rule. Context shapes tone, body language, and word choice — the three pillars of communication.
As Mary Sharp Emerson from Harvard Division of Continuing Education explains, “Communication is primarily about word choice. And when it comes to word choice, less is more. The key to powerful and persuasive communication — whether written or spoken — is clarity and, when possible, brevity.”
When you master clear communication skills, you gain confidence to express ideas precisely. You can explain your thoughts without unnecessary complexity, making it easier for others to trust and follow your reasoning. This trust is essential in every professional relationship.
In fact, a Forbes survey revealed that 43% of on-site employees lose trust in leadership due to poor communication. Think about that: nearly half of the workforce feels disconnected simply because of unclear or inconsistent messages.
Strong communication doesn’t just make you sound good — it makes you reliable. And reliability is what turns good professionals into great leaders.
Lessons from Our Mentors: Communication and Emotional Intelligence
At Cumorah Academy, our learning goes beyond textbooks. Each week, students meet mentors who bring a wealth of real-world experience and spiritual insight. Recently, Quin and Cindy Christensen joined us to teach powerful lessons about leadership, courage, and connection.
Quin served as a missionary in Japan before building a successful career as a veterinarian and entrepreneur. After founding and managing his own animal hospital for 23 years, he sold his business and moved into consulting — a bold move that showed how adaptability and courage can redefine success.
Cindy’s journey followed a creative path. With a degree in Choral Education from BYU, she directed several choirs and later founded a nonprofit organization that provided music education to hundreds of students. She also paused her professional career to focus on family — an experience that strengthened her emotional intelligence and perspective on leadership.
When she returned to music nearly two decades later, Cindy brought with her a deeper sense of empathy and purpose — two qualities that define effective communication.
Our students were deeply inspired by their visit. Evelyn Gonzalez, from Mexico, shared:
“I like the Leadership class because I can learn more, and it helps me to be clearer about my vision. I think it is very important because leadership helps us to grow, to believe in ourselves, and to support other people.”
Carlos Cardenas, from Venezuela, added:
“What I liked the most was when they talked about emotional intelligence, right at the moment when I needed some confirmations about that topic. I felt involved and more motivated to improve my communication skills.”
Through their stories, Quin and Cindy reminded us that clear communication skills aren’t just about speaking clearly — they’re about understanding others deeply. Emotional intelligence, active listening, and empathy are key elements of every successful conversation.
The Connection Between Communication and Growth
The ability to communicate clearly has a direct impact on your career growth. It helps you collaborate better, express ideas persuasively, and resolve conflicts with professionalism.
According to ASANA, “Good communication in the workplace can involve bringing up blockers or providing feedback — but make sure the goal is to get to a better place than where you are now.” In other words, communication is not about proving a point; it’s about progress.
Whether you’re leading a team or starting your first job, your ability to communicate determines how others perceive your competence and leadership potential. It can even affect promotions, partnerships, and trust within a team.
A simple yet powerful mindset shift is to see every conversation as an opportunity to build understanding, not just exchange information.
3 Habits to Improve Your Communication at Work
Developing clear communication skills takes consistent practice, but small daily habits can make a big difference. Here are three actionable ways to strengthen your communication starting today:
1. Simplify your message
Before sending an email or speaking in a meeting, pause and ask yourself: “What is the main point I want to get across?”
Cut unnecessary words or details. As Harvard’s Mary Sharp Emerson reminds us, brevity amplifies impact. The clearer and simpler your words, the stronger your message will land.
2. Listen actively
True communication is a two-way street. Rachel Wells from Forbes notes that active listening involves mirroring the speaker’s tone and emotion: “If the speaker is communicating in a fast-paced, eager, or excited tone, make an effort to match their vocal pattern and reflect the same enthusiasm.”
By tuning into how others express themselves, you build trust and prevent misunderstandings.
3. Adapt your tone to your audience
Just as you’d speak differently to your manager than to your younger sister, adapt your communication style depending on the situation. Context shapes effectiveness. Being sensitive to the needs, background, and expectations of your audience shows emotional intelligence and professionalism.
When practiced daily, these three habits can transform not only how others see you, but how you see yourself — as someone capable of expressing ideas with confidence and empathy.
Building a Career Rooted in Connection
At the heart of every successful career lies one common thread: communication. Whether you’re negotiating a contract, managing a team, or mentoring someone, the clarity of your message determines the strength of your relationships.
That’s why at Cumorah Academy, leadership development is inseparable from communication training. Through classes, mentorship, and teamwork, students learn how to speak, listen, and lead with purpose.
When you strengthen your clear communication skills, you do more than improve your career — you become a better collaborator, problem-solver, and friend. You inspire trust, reduce conflict, and open doors to opportunities you might never have imagined.
Start Your Journey Toward Clear Communication
If you want to build a career where your ideas are heard and your influence grows, start by mastering clear communication skills. Speak with purpose. Listen with empathy. Write with clarity.
At Cumorah Academy, young adults from around the world learn these principles while developing leadership, business, and English skills — all guided by mentors who have walked the path before them.
Your voice has power. Use it with clarity, and you’ll transform not only your career — but the lives of those around you.
Discover how Cumorah Academy can help you grow personally and professionally through leadership, communication, and purpose-driven learning. Apply now.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
