Communication

Core Principles

Confidence: Even when you don't have the full answer, speak with composure. Worst case you're wrong and you correct it. Silence gaps don't need to be filled.
Pace: Speaking quickly signals nervousness. Unrushed communicators command more authority. Watch your pace, especially under pressure.
Avoid filler words: Cut "uhh", "umm", and "like" from your vocabulary in professional settings.
Visibility: Communicating what you did clearly is a skill in itself. You can do solid work and get no credit if you can't articulate it. Communicate your wins.

Use analogies when talking to non-technical stakeholders (factories, workers, pipelines as assembly lines, etc.).
Break down complex ideas concisely; don't over-engineer the explanation.
Put yourself in their shoes. What do they care about? Cost? Risk? Speed? Lead with that.
Take it slow and check for understanding before moving on.

Problem → Context → Resolution: Always follow this arc when presenting an incident, a project, or an update.
Don't go off-topic. Extra detail confuses more than it helps.
Find the relatable human connection: what problem does the audience have and how does your story speak to it?
Even during standups, be deliberate. Don't share updates clumsily; frame them with a brief context.

A foundational checklist to ensure your messages land professionally: