Effective communication in the workplace requires more than just choosing the right words. Research shows that non-verbal cues — such as posture, eye contact, and facial expressions — account for up to 55% of the message received by the listener.

There are four main communication styles: assertive, passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive. The assertive style is generally considered the most effective, as it allows individuals to express their needs clearly while still being empathetic to others.

In multicultural workplaces, being diplomatic is particularly important. What appears concise and efficient in one culture may seem abrupt or disrespectful in another.