23 Oct 2024
Two speech bubbles: one containing a tangled, chaotic line representing confusion, and the other containing a bright yellow light bulb symbolising a clear idea or solution

 “Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” – Mark Twain In today’s always-on world, we’re flooded with information. That means clear, effective communication isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. Whether…

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27 Jun 2024
Close-up of a modern camera recording a Black British male coach giving a video tutorial

We’re delighted to welcome Ben Hancock, Commercial Director of Pulse Studio, as our guest blog writer. Understood has collaborated with Pulse Studio for many years, producing impactful and engaging training videos. Their expertise, creativity, and sharp eye for detail have been invaluable, and we always enjoy working with their…

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05 May 2024
A frustrated woman covers her ears, surrounded by confusing business jargon, highlighting the blog's focus on the need for clearer workplace communication.

The business world’s equivalent of nails on a chalkboard Most of us have endured meetings where someone suggests we “drill down” on a topic or “take a deep dive.” And then there’s “ping me an email” or “let’s unpack that.” These phrases, which may have begun as shortcuts for…

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18 Apr 2024
Woman with long, messy, brown hair holding it out with an exasperated expression.

A recent trip to the hairdresser prompted me to reflect on customer experience, and the true value of our time. It raised some important questions: How should organisations respond when customers express dissatisfaction with a product or service? Is a refund or redo enough to make up for lost…

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09 Mar 2024
People holding and using mobile phones with just their hands visible

Smartphones have become part of the fabric of modern life, but what toll do they take on younger generations’ mental health, focus, and ability to connect? Do they make them more anxious? Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation, explores how smartphone use and social media reshape childhood development and…

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10 Jan 2024
Two professional office workers talking in an office.

Do you want to enhance your communication skills and handle difficult situations with confidence? Assertiveness lies at the heart of effective expression—it empowers you to speak clearly while respecting others. Whether you’re pursuing leadership training or looking to build your resilience at work, assertiveness can transform the way you…

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28 Dec 2023
Coxswain on a boat at sea motivating the rowers

Effective communication drives strong relationships, sets clear expectations, and resolves conflict. Mastering communication unlocks success at every level of the workplace, including as a motivator. Drawing insights from Mastering Communication at Work: How to Lead, Manage, and Influence by Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann, we’ve captured key lessons…

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17 Sep 2023

In a world driven by technology and automation, it’s easy to overlook the human element in customer-centric. But exceptional customer experience goes beyond mere transactions; it’s about creating meaningful connections with our customers. By understanding and embracing the essence of being human, we can elevate customer experience to new…

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28 Aug 2023
Two people having a conversation whilst drinking coffee and looking at paperwork

We have now reached the final part of our three-part series on communication strategies. You can read the previous two articles about communication roadblocks and active and reflective listening on our blog. Today, we will explore healthy confrontations and how to practice them. And yes, you read that correctly:…

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28 Jul 2023
People talking in an office and sticking post in notes on a board

Welcome back to our three-part series on communication. In our last blog post, we talked about how our poor conversational habits (e.g. judging, sending solutions and avoidance) can create communication ‘roadblocks’. This time, we’ll discuss how you can improve communication by using active and reflective listening. Let’s dive into these…

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