When it comes to succeeding in the workplace—or in school—how well you communicate really matters. Communication is more than just speaking or writing clearly; it’s about sharing ideas, collaborating with others, and adapting your message to your audience. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), communication is one of the eight key competencies that form the foundation of career readiness:
Whether you’re in a virtual classroom or a professional meeting, strong communication skills help you connect, solve problems, and build trust. It’s listed as one of the required skills in almost every job ad ever for a reason! Let’s take a closer look at NACE’s sample behaviors for good communication and how you can develop each one—starting now.
Sample Behaviors and Real-World Applications
| Understand the importance of and demonstrate verbal, written, and non-verbal/body language abilities. |
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In a virtual learning environment, you may not always have face-to-face interactions, but tone and clarity still matter. Consider how a message might be received differently when talking with someone in person compared to sending it in an email. Be mindful of how your writing comes across in emails, class discussions, and presentations. Make sure your message is respectful and easy to follow. In video calls or interviews, pay attention to eye contact, posture, and facial expressions—even on Zoom, non-verbal cues count. |
| Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills. |
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Active listening involves giving your full attention—not just waiting for your turn to speak. On discussion boards or in group projects, show engagement by asking thoughtful follow-up questions or paraphrasing what a classmate has said. Persuasive communication is also key: when you write a research paper or pitch an idea at work, think about how to support your points clearly, respectfully, and without personal bias. |
| Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand. |
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Start by knowing your audience. When emailing a professor or advisor, get to the point quickly and use subject lines that reflect your message. When writing papers, organize your ideas with an outline and use headings when possible. For presentations, make use of bullet points, visuals, and transitions to guide your listeners. |
| Frame communication with respect to diversity of learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences. |
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Every workplace and classroom includes people with different perspectives. Learn to tailor your message to fit others’ needs—whether that means being mindful of jargon, slowing down your pace, or using visuals to support your message. If you’re working with a team member for whom English is a second language, or who uses accessibility tools, consider how your communication can be more inclusive. |
| Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors, specialists, and others. |
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A key part of effective communication is knowing when and how to ask questions. If you’re unsure about a deadline or need clarification on an assignment, don’t hesitate to reach out—just be specific. Instead of saying, “I’m confused,” try, “I’m unclear about the expectations for Part 2 of the assignment. Could you clarify?” The more information you provide in your question, the more specific and helpful the answer will tend to be. |
| Promptly inform any relevant parties when needing guidance with assigned tasks. |
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If you’re struggling to meet a deadline or need support, don’t wait until the last minute. Communicating early with professors, advisors, or coworkers builds trust and allows others to offer help or flexibility. In professional settings, being proactive and transparent shows responsibility and integrity. |
Where Students Practice Communication
At Aspen, you’re already building communication skills in real ways:
- Class discussion boards – Practice organizing your thoughts, responding to peers, and using a respectful tone.
- Written assignments – Develop your ability to structure arguments, support your ideas with evidence, and explain complex topics clearly.
- Presentations – Practice speaking and visual storytelling.
- Group projects – Learn to delegate tasks, resolve conflict, and collaborate across time zones.
- Emails to instructors and staff – Hone your professional tone, clarity, and etiquette.
Communication Tips from @advicewitherin
Content creator and professional mentor Erin McGoff often shares reminders about keeping communication simple and intentional. A few of her go-to strategies include:
- Use subject lines that matter – “Quick Question About Assignment 3” is more helpful than “Hi.”
- Be brief, but thorough – Say what you need to say in a few clear sentences.
- Never send angry emails – If you’re upset, wait a few hours, then write your message with a level head.
- Proofread before hitting send – Typos may not seem like a big deal, but in academic and professional contexts, they matter.
Here are some specific communication tips straight from Erin’s weekly newsletter:
For more from Erin, visit her instagram and website!
Additional Resources
- Transitioning to Academic Writing ~ in this webinar, Aspen faculty member Negean Mohi breaks down all the essentials for communicating effectively with instructors and in papers.
- The Joy of Assertiveness ~ a webinar in which Graduate Partnership Liaison Dr. Nina Beaman discusses communicating with assertiveness rather than aggression.
- The Elements of Style with Dr. Nina Beaman ~ another writing deep-dive with embedded videos covering the classic writing guide by Strunk & White.