The price of hesitation: What an unclear answer costs the Civil Service

Nobody puts “unclear answer to a journalist’s question” or “caseworker couldn’t explain the decision on the phone” on a risk register. But trace the paper trail on enough complaints, escalations and difficult media enquiries, and you’ll often find a verbal question … Continue reading

How Civil Servants can communicate clearly under pressure – the fifteen-second test

Civil servants regularly need to answer questions, explain complex issues and handle challenging conversations with no time to prepare. Learn why thinking on your feet is a critical communication skill and how it can be developed. A press officer picks … Continue reading

The curse of expertise: when you finish explaining, they’ve stopped listening

Concise communication in government is not a writing problem. It is a thinking problem. The expert’s instinct There’s a moment that happens in most government meetings. Someone who knows their subject exceptionally well is asked a direct question: “What’s your recommendation?” … Continue reading

The 6 communication gaps holding back Civil Servants (and how to close them)

Your credibility is tested in an instant – during a meeting, a briefing or an unexpected question. Too often, you walk away wishing you’d been clearer, more concise or simply more confident. Under pressure, these fears manifest as gaps in your … Continue reading

Empowering public sector workers to communicate with clarity, simplicity and confidence – under pressure

Think on Your Feet® to manage diverse audiences, simplify complex topics and respond effectively in high-pressure situations. Effective communication in public sector roles is challenging due to the complexity of the environment, the audience and the work itself. Our public … Continue reading