Articles on communicating

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Knowing how to communicate about death gives us the language to discuss end-of-life topics with our loved ones. from www.shutterstock.com

May 22, 2017

Passed away, kicked the bucket, pushing up daisies – the many ways we don’t talk about death

Deb Rawlings, Flinders University; Christine Sanderson, Flinders University; Deborah Parker, University of Technology Sydney; Jennifer Tieman, Flinders University, and Lauren Miller-Lewis, Flinders University

We use euphemisms about death and dying to soften the blow of the real words, or because we feel awkward being direct. But this can lead to misunderstanding and confusion.

‘Going forward’ is a boardroom and husting escapee that has now made it big time in the workplace, and even outside. shutterstock

March 2, 2017

Catchphrase to cliché: how corporate-speak became common in our everyday lives

Kate Burridge, Monash University

When they start life, clichés are fetching and memorable phrases. But overuse has sucked them of vitality – and now they walk among the living dead.

A shift to open-plan offices means interpersonal and influencing skills are more important than ever. shutterstock

February 28, 2017

Lack of workers with ‘soft skills’ demands a shift in teaching

Libby Sander

So-called 'soft skills' – including interpersonal skills, critical thinking and relationship-building – are rated as being important across all jobs and industries.

External stressors might have more to do with a low-income couple’s success. Michael Newman

August 22, 2016

Relationship advice from the government doesn’t help low-income couples – here’s what might

Justin Lavner, University of Georgia; Benjamin Karney, University of California, Los Angeles, and Thomas Bradbury, University of California, Los Angeles

Relationship education programs are meant to strengthen low-income couples, with the idea children would benefit. But focusing on communication skills overlooks what really matters to these Americans.

Our relationships, desires, anxieties are reflected in the way we communicate. from www.shutterstock.com

August 9, 2016

Words stripped of meaning: a guide to linguistic spam

Louise Katz, University of Sydney

A "passion" was once thought of as a love or desire so irresistible as to take one to the threshold of death. What are we to make, then, of a passion for innovation or management consulting? What's happening to our words?

The English language has a tendency to reinforce patriarchy, but there are ways to stop that. Shutterstock

March 8, 2015

Gender-neutral communication: how to do it

Baden Eunson, Monash University

The English language reinforces patriarchy, but we can use the language to counter it instead.

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Top contributors

Baden Eunson
Adjunct Lecturer, School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics, Monash University
Kate Burridge
Professor of Linguistics, Monash University
Libby Sander
Lecturer, Bond Business School, Bond University
Louise Katz
Louise Katz is a Friend of The Conversation.

Lecturer in academic communication, University of Sydney
Deborah Parker
Professor of Nursing Aged Care (Dementia), University of Technology Sydney
Justin Lavner
Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Georgia
Thomas Bradbury
Professor of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
Benjamin Karney
Professor of Social Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
Deb Rawlings
Lecturer in Palliative Care, Flinders University
Jennifer Tieman
Associate Professor, Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University
Lauren Miller-Lewis
Research Associate, Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University
Christine Sanderson
Research Fellow, Flinders University