Communication is an essential professional life skill, enabling us to share information and ideas, as well as express feelings and arguments (Cenere et al., 2015). It is also an active process influenced by the complexities of human behaviour in which elements such as non-verbal behaviour and individual styles of interpreting and ascribing meaning to events have significant influence. Mastering effective communication is more than just mastering the core language resources of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. It’s about using those resources for the desired effect – whether that is persuading someone of your argument, apologising for a mistake, or making friends.

We have identified four Core Areas within Communication:

• Communication for audience and impact

• Reflection to further develop and improve communication

• Message advocates a purpose and makes an impact

• Voice and identity expressed to advance humanity

Article 12 of the UNCRC Ensure that children have the space to express their views; their voice is enabled; they have an audience for their views; and their views will have influence.