The Importance of Effective Communication

Brooke Brigham, MBA, is a Career Engagement Partner, Southern New Hampshire University. 

Dr. Shakera Moreland is a Clinical Faculty, Southern New Hampshire University and the Founder of the HIM Concierge Services, LLC.

Dr. Lynn Ward is the HIM Program Director, Southern New Hampshire University.

Enhancing Effective Communication

Effective communication is the key to professional success. In this section, we will discuss the importance of building strong communication and how this will enhance teamwork and productivity in a workplace environment and, in turn, create marketability of potential job candidates to employers.

Communication Competency

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), in higher education, is the “leading source of information on the employment of the college-educated, and forecasts hiring and trends in the job market; tracks starting salaries, recruiting, and hiring practices, and student attitudes and outcomes; and identifies best practices and benchmarks. For employers, career readiness plays a significant role in sourcing talent, providing a means of identifying key skills and abilities across all job functions; similarly, career readiness offers employers a framework for developing talent through internship and other experiential education programs (NACE).” Career Services offices within Higher Education use NACE as a baseline for initiatives, inputs, and outputs. NACE shares that communication is one of the Career Readiness competencies, stating that potential employees should build on this soft skill and showcase communication throughout their job search process. This career readiness competency is defined by NACE, as the ability to exchange information clearly and effectively, ideas, facts, and perspectives with people inside and outside of an organization. Furthermore, communication experts should be able to:

• Understand the importance of and demonstrate verbal, written, and non-verbal/body language, abilities.
• Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills.
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand.
• Frame communication with respect to the diversity of learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences.
• Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors, specialists, and others.
• Promptly inform relevant others when needing guidance with assigned tasks (NACE).

When Employers were surveyed on attributes that they are looking for on resumes of job candidates they consider for job openings, nearly 90% of employers responding to the NACE Job Outlook 2024 survey indicated they are seeking evidence of a potential employee’s ability to solve problems and nearly 80% are seeking candidates who have strong teamwork skills. In addition, at least two-thirds of employer partners report looking for a strong work ethic, written and verbal communication skills, analytical/quantitative skills, flexibility/adaptability, and technical skills (NACE).

As a part of a University Career Services team, these Career Readiness competencies are important to share with potential employees as they prepare for the workforce, in events, resources, curriculum studies, and in one-on-one conversations. To understand effective communication strategies, this article discusses three diverse types of communication: Verbal and Non-Verbal, Written, and Digital. There are key principles in all these types of communication including clarity and conciseness, active listening, appropriate tone, and language.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication skills can include various components. An example that shares aspects of verbal communication is public speaking. Whether engaging with a large audience, or a small one, it is important to craft the message to meet the audience’s needs. Structure the message so that it is clear, concise, easy to interpret, and easy to reiterate themes that can be shared and fit into the audiences’ own experiences. Public speaking may also use visual aids to effectively share the message of the event or program. In a digital world, public speaking can be in real-time, virtually, or recorded. The importance of these characteristics stays the same whether it is a pre-recorded online video, or live crowd.

To develop verbal communication skills in one-on-one conversations, the effectiveness stems from building genuine rapport and relationships, asking open-ended questions, actively listening, and providing and receiving feedback. Active listening is part of the communication process in that all attention should be on the speaker. Clear all distractions and focus on the topics shared in the one-on-one or group settings. To better develop verbal communication skills, organizations may offer professional development opportunities to join such as “Toastmasters International” which collaborates with members on Public Speaking and leadership development. There are also many courses online through platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and the opportunity to develop skills with TED Talks and books such as, "Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds" by Carmine Gallo and "The Art of Public Speaking" by Dale Carnegie.

Non-Verbal Communication

To enhance non-verbal Communication skills, we must encompass Body Language. In non-verbal communication, there is an importance of the correct eye contact, understanding gestures, and posture. Facial expressions can also be important, to convey emotions appropriately as well as recognize and interpret others’ emotions effectively. Focusing on the conversation and discussion at hand, active listening, and resisting the urge to multitask throughout a virtual meeting or conversation, can create stronger and more effective communication in a verbal and non-verbal manner.

Written Communication

Professional written communication can include items such as professional emails, reports, and proposals. In professional emails, it is important to have a clear subject line, with structured content, and a call to action. The email overall should have a professional tone and should be proofread. In reports or proposals in a professional environment, information should be organized logically, be supported with corresponding data, and should also be edited and revised for clarity on the topic.

Digital Communication

To navigate digital communication, the basis of the understanding should be that the technology used keeps progressing. Currently, there are several types of digital communication used in the professional environment to enhance daily tasks. For example, in virtual meetings, prepare an agenda, engage with participants, and be prepared to manage any technical issues. Social media and professional networking on websites such as LinkedIn are also an effective method of digital communication. Be sure to maintain a professional online presence and maintain networking etiquette when connecting on professional platforms, such as association websites.

Effective Communication in Practice

To enhance effective communication immediately -practice. Keep a communication journal, practice active listening without distractions in everyday conversations, take public speaking courses, communication skill workshops, online courses, webinars, read research books, and articles. Most importantly, seek feedback. Ask for constructive criticism from those in communication with you and use that feedback to improve the methods. Finding a mentor or participating in peer review groups are both strategies for improving communication skills. These tactics should provide a comprehensive foundation for developing effective communication skills in professional settings.

The Rising Need for Professionalism in Healthcare

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, professionalism has emerged as a core value, more important than ever before. The relationship between healthcare professionals and society is rooted in trust, and professionalism is a key element of that social contract. As patients grow more informed and their expectations of healthcare providers rise, the need for healthcare workers to demonstrate professionalism at every stage of their careers has never been more critical.

Professionalism in Medical School

Professionalism must be instilled in medical students from the very start of their education. It is not simply a skill to be learned—it is an attitude, a mindset, and an approach to patient care that must be embodied. According to studies, role models in medical school play a crucial role in shaping students’ understanding of professionalism. Research conducted in the United States, involving 665 third- and fourth-year medical students, revealed that 98% of them had witnessed unprofessional behavior from their teaching faculty. This underscores the challenge medical schools face in promoting professionalism.

The UK has already made professionalism a mandatory competency, integrated into the curricula of all medical programs. However, teaching professionalism remains complex. While characteristics such as altruism, integrity, and compassion are essential, they are also difficult to measure. Other qualities, like continuous improvement and teamwork, are easier to assess, offering tangible markers of professionalism in practice.

Balancing Act

While professionalism is fundamental, patient care and safety remain the highest priorities in healthcare. Ethical principles should guide every action of healthcare professionals to protect patient information, ensuring it is securely transmitted, recorded, and stored. Errors and breaches must be handled in a professional manner, with clear communication and respect for all involved parties.

Incorporating ethical behavior into everyday practice not only safeguards patient information but also fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers. Professionalism, coupled with a commitment to patient safety, leads to better health outcomes and more secure systems.

Professional Growth

Healthcare is a field that demands constant learning and adaptation. Lifelong learning is essential for healthcare professionals to stay updated with the latest medical advancements and practices. This commitment to continuous improvement should also include mentoring others and promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Mentorship plays a critical role in promoting professionalism. By guiding the next generation of healthcare workers, experienced professionals can pass on the values of integrity, accountability, and respect. Moreover, embracing diversity within healthcare teams leads to more innovative solutions and better patient outcomes, as diverse perspectives often drive creativity and problem-solving.

Accreditation Standards

In response to the growing emphasis on professionalism, organizations such as the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation, the American College of Physicians Foundation, and the European Federation of Internal Medicine developed the Professionalism Charter. This charter, adopted by many major professional organizations, outlines the core principles of professionalism in healthcare.

In the United States, accrediting bodies like the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) have also set clear standards for professionalism. These standards encompass both cognitive skills, such as medical knowledge, and noncognitive skills, including professionalism, which fall under the category of graduate-level domains.

Everyday Practice

Professionalism extends beyond technical expertise; it shapes how healthcare professionals interact with colleagues, patients, and the broader community. A professional demeanor can positively impact workplace relationships and career advancement. From one’s attitude and appearance to communication style and decision-making, professionalism influences every aspect of a healthcare worker’s role.

Simple actions—such as arriving on time, following dress codes, and maintaining a positive attitude—are noticed by others and contribute to a professional reputation. Professionals who demonstrate respect for others, exercise good judgment, and act ethically tend to inspire trust and serve as role models for their peers.

Communication and Conflict Resolution

Professionalism also translates into written communication, which is especially important in healthcare. Emails should be crafted with care, addressing colleagues with appropriate titles and maintaining a respectful tone. Understanding and adhering to email etiquette ensures clear, effective communication that fosters respect and trust.

In meetings, professionalism requires active participation. Speaking too little or too much can both be detrimental, so finding a balance is key. In moments of conflict, professionals should strive to remain calm, resolve disputes respectfully, and model positive behavior for others.

Innovating for Success

Healthcare professionals not only represent themselves but also their organizations. Acting professionally enhances the reputation of the institution as well as the individual. Whether working in a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare setting, being mindful of the organization’s brand and values is essential.

Lastly, working smarter rather than harder is a hallmark of professionalism. Innovating to improve efficiency and productivity benefits the entire organization.

Pathway to Excellence

Professionalism in healthcare is more than a competency; it is a foundation upon which trust, patient safety, and ethical care are built. From medical school through lifelong practice, healthcare professionals must continually strive to embody professionalism in every aspect of their work. By doing so, they ensure better patient outcomes, stronger workplace relationships, and a healthcare system that is more responsive, respectful, and resilient.

Optimize Communication to Gain Employment

When it comes to landing your next job, having a strong communication strategy is essential. That’s where my 8-step STRATEGY comes into play. I’ve used this technique throughout my career, and it has always yielded fantastic results. Here’s how you can optimize your communication and get ahead in the job market.

S - Shape Your Elevator Pitch

First things first, what’s your elevator pitch? This quick, 30-45 second speech should showcase what makes you unique. What problems are you trying to solve? What draws you to your field? Practice your pitch until it feels natural, and make sure it can adapt to different environments. Whether you're at a networking event or answering the dreaded "tell me about yourself" question in an interview, this is your chance to shine (Clark, 2021).

T - Tailor Your LinkedIn Profile

If you're not on LinkedIn, you're missing out. Your profile should reflect your professional journey, full of relevant keywords that can help recruiters find you. Highlight your achievements, showcase your skills, and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn (Hurst & Thomsen, 2022). Also, having professional headshots can make a huge difference. Remember, keep your profile as updated as your resume.

R - Reach Out for Informational Interviews

Networking is crucial, and informational interviews offer a way to learn more about the jobs you're aiming for. When reaching out, make sure to personalize your messages (Kelsky, 2021). Doing this helped me launch my podcast, where I connected with professionals and learned a lot from them. Follow up after your interviews and be sure to express your gratitude while showing how you’ll apply what you learned.

A - Attend Networking Events

Networking events can be intimidating but having a strategy can make them manageable. Set a goal for how many people you'd like to connect with. Use event-specific hashtags on social media to find out who else will be there (Smith & Evans, 2023). Make a few solid connections before the event, so you’ll feel more comfortable once you arrive. And don’t forget to follow up with everyone you meet to continue building those relationships.

T - Tweak Your Messages

When communicating with employers, make sure you customize your resume and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills, quantify your achievements, and always proofread before hitting send (Kass, 2020). Clear, impactful messaging is the name of the game.

E - Execute Follow-Up Plans

After networking or applying for jobs, don’t just wait for responses—follow up! Send personalized thank-you notes, follow up on applications, and regularly reconnect with your contacts (Parker & Feldman, 2021). But make sure you're adding value to these relationships. Engage with your connections by sharing relevant articles, discussing industry trends, or asking for advice while not being overbearing.

G - Get Involved in Professional Associations

Joining professional organizations can expand your network and give you new learning opportunities. Volunteer on committees or take on projects that align with your skills. This allows others to see your work ethic firsthand, which could lead to future job opportunities (Davis, 2022).

Y - Yield to Your Brand

Everything you do should reflect your personal brand. Stay true to who you are and let your authenticity shine. Whether you’re giving a presentation or writing a LinkedIn post, maintain consistency in how you present yourself (Henderson, 2023). I’ve had fun in past presentations by incorporating music or references to shows like SpongeBob and Bobby Brown. Your brand should feel real and relatable.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to optimizing your communication strategy and positioning yourself for your next career move. Keep refining your approach, stay authentic, and remember—what you see is what you get!

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