It is very important to develop your effective speaking, listening, writing and presentation skills throughout your career.  In survey after survey, year after year, employers rank strong communication skills among the skills they look for most when hiring.

The workplace runs on efficient conversations and e-mails in which ideas are exchanged, questions answered, and decisions made.  You need to be able to express your thoughts and ideas effectively when speaking and writing and to be skilled in asking questions.  You also need to listen well to ensure you understand what others are saying as well as their attitudes and intentions.