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The Power of Communication: Beyond Technical Skills

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In every field, from engineering to medicine, communication stands out as an essential skill. While technical prowess is invaluable, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively often makes the difference in how impactful we are in our roles. In this blog post, I’ll explore why communication is vital, share a recent experience that taught me a lot, and provide resources that have helped me—and might help you—become a better communicator.

Why Communication Matters

You could be a brilliant engineer, architect, product manager, or doctor, but if your ideas don’t come across clearly, your impact is limited. Communication is how we share insights, collaborate with others, and ensure that our work reaches its full potential. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and even missed opportunities, regardless of your technical skill level.

Unique Challenges for Deep Thinkers

For people who do less talking and more thinking, communication can be especially challenging. When your mind is deep in thought, aligning your words with your thoughts can be difficult. This can sometimes lead to a disconnect between what you’re thinking and what you’re saying, making clear articulation even harder. Overcoming this challenge requires practice and a conscious effort to bridge the gap between your internal thoughts and verbal expression.

My Personal Journey: Learning from Feedback

Recently, I had a humbling experience that reminded me of the importance of communication. During a conversation on Google Meet, I received feedback that I was repeating certain words, which made my speech less clear. This feedback was invaluable—it helped me realize areas where I could improve, even though I’d been confident in my speaking abilities. I genuinely appreciated this advice, as it pushed me to re-learn and refine my communication skills. Communication is a journey of continuous learning, and I’m still on that path.

Embracing Continuous Improvement

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to read books / listen to talks by Jordan Peterson. His speeches/writing offer a wealth of knowledge on effective communication, particularly on clarity, articulation, and making a strong impact with words. Listening to speakers like Peterson has become part of my learning toolkit, and I’m finding new insights each time I watch.

Below are few recommended Youtube videos that have been especially helpful in learning clear and powerful communication:

Why Communication Is Key for Everyone

Whether you’re explaining complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience or discussing project goals with team members, clear communication builds understanding and trust. It shows respect for your audience and helps your ideas reach their intended effect. Regardless of your role, take time to hone your communication skills—it’s an investment in yourself and your relationships.

Conclusion

Learning to communicate well is a skill that complements any level of expertise. Reflecting on my own experiences, I’m more motivated than ever to continue growing in this area. If you’re on a similar journey, I encourage you to keep learning and improving. Embrace feedback, learn from those who communicate well, and remember that communication is as essential to your professional growth as any technical skill.

Happy learning!