Perhaps the most critical communication skill. Speak up (when needed) and be brief. Be ready to tackle an issue and use as few words as possible to say what you need. Everyone will appreciate it.
If it’s urgent, talk face-to-face (or call). This gives all sides the opportunity to ask questions and better understand the message. Easier and quicker to explain in person.
Important things (not urgent) could be conveyed by text or email – but after every sentence it helps to ask, “Would the reader still get my point if I deleted that line?” Don’t ask yourself, “Does this make sense?” It may make sense to you, but will it make sense to the reader? Leave out the fluff – the parts that confuse, that readers tend to skip. Get to the point.
Poor communicators ramble. Good communicators leave out unnecessary details. Great communicators speak up and get to the point.