“I was too fast, almost lost a big pitch.” I remember walking into a pitch where I was tasked with converting one of the region’s biggest agriculture investment firms as a client. 

I had arguably the best slide deck, the most comprehensive document to back my claims, and it was the most confident I had ever been. We were greeted, shook hands, and sat in the boardroom where I started to speak. Within a few minutes, I could sense the room growing silent and troubled, as if those in the room were struggling to grasp what I was trying to say. 

I stopped, asked them why, and redid the whole thing — a bit more slowly. I have been told that I talk a bit too fast. I joke among my peers, saying maybe my brain works faster. But in reality, if the other people in the room can’t get what I’m saying, there is no point. 

By the way, we won the pitch, but thankfully I slowed down. Communication is key, and that is why I want to touch upon that in this column today.

We have heard people say, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it, and that is solid advice. Communication isn’t always about words. Sometimes it’s far more powerful without them.

Think about the warm hug of a mother — you don’t need her to say a single thing, yet you feel comfort, safety, and love all at once. Or the way a dog wags its tail when you walk through the door; that little movement carries more joy and welcome than any sentence could.

Even a cat staring at you with those innocent eyes is communicating. It might be asking for food or simply reminding you that you’re not alone. And then there are moments like the silence in a room after bad news — no words, but everyone knows. That silence speaks louder than anything. 

That’s communication too. It’s not just what we say; it’s what we show, what we feel, and what others sense.

Communication isn’t about talking the most or sending the longest emails, nor being the loudest. Real communication is about impact.

Today, you and I both know and have seen how a post on X can launch a startup, a LinkedIn post can land a dream job, and a single conversation can shift company strategy. 

The modern communicator is a storyteller, strategist, and empathetic connector. Your career-defining moments — the interviews, presentations, difficult conversations — they weren’t random. They were communication wins.

Communication spans across everything, from the way we speak, to the way we write, read, draw and even the way we look at another in the eye and shake their hand. But I wanted to keep this general. The real power lies in blending these seamlessly. A Slack thread may start an idea, a Zoom call may refine it, a dashboard may prove it, and a LinkedIn post may amplify it.

Technical skills might get you noticed. Communication skills get you promoted. In a hyper-connected yet isolated world, the ability to listen deeply, read between the lines, and create psychological safety is gold. The most successful people aren’t the loudest — they’re the ones who make others feel heard.

Feedback is a big part of this. The ability to give it kindly, take it gracefully, and turn it into action can accelerate careers faster than any certification.

Also, great communicators aren’t afraid of being wrong. They ask ‘stupid’ questions, admit when they don’t know something, and connect with honesty.

As Artificial Intelligence grows stronger, communication will become your survival skill. As machines crunch numbers, you can build trust. As they analyse data, you can inspire action. 

The professionals thriving today are the ones who can make complex ideas simple, bridge gaps across cultures and generations, and stay human in digital interactions. They’re not afraid to admit when they don’t know something, to ask questions, or to be vulnerable.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a fancy course to improve. Every conversation, email, and meeting is practice. But if you want to sharpen faster:

• Record yourself: yes, it’s awkward, but it shows you what others hear

• Write often: posts, blogs, or even thoughtful DMs. Writing clears your thinking

• Talk to different people: step outside your bubble. Explain your world to someone in another field

• Get involved locally: Toastmasters is a great place to be and startup meetups are free practice grounds where you also give back

• Learn to understand emotions and communicate them too

I am on the journey of improving my communication skills as well; the more I practice, the better I am becoming.

Keep learning and growing.