Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
Key Components
- Develop and Communicate Ideas
- Communication skills fall into three broad categories: writing, speaking, and listening. These skills are invaluable both personally and professionally as you practice asking specific questions, interviewing, and explaining your reasoning either in essays or emails.
Writing Skills
Email is a crucial component of workplace conversations. Thus, it is important to be comfortable communicating via this medium.
MaestroLabs has great articles on common email etiquette that will help you with writing emails in professional settings, including sending emails to faculty, staff, supervisors, or colleagues.
Email Signature
Your email signature should include:
- Your full name
- Pronouns (if comfortable)
- Your title and/or major
- St. Catherine University (If Student); Employer (If no longer student)
- Your email and phone number
You can find email signature ideas and templates to customize here.
Email vs. Other Virtual Communication
It is important to distinguish between email communication and “chat-style” communication such as Google Chat, Microsoft Teams, or common workplace communication apps such as Slack. Often, these forms of communication will have their own distinct norms based on the office you work in. For example, some workplaces may send emojis and GIFs, while others may use full punctuation. If you are unsure of the tone you should use in these formats, try asking a colleague or your supervisor for guidance.
Speaking Skills
While it is important to be able to speak in front of groups (ie: presentations), speaking skills encompass far more than giving a speech. This skill group includes knowing how to ask clear, concise questions, and using accessible language based on the audience.
Listening Skills
How do you know someone is listening? Active listening shows a person you’re engaged in what they’re saying. Check out our resources for active listening and nonverbal communication below.
