The courtesy that’s beyond please and thank you, by Ruth Oji
Were you taught in primary school to use the magic words? Most people think courtesy means saying “please” and “thank you”, holding doors for others, not interrupting when others speak, remembering the social graces your parents taught you, and the etiquette that makes interactions flow smoothly and signals you were raised right. Well, that’s not wrong, […]
Why your words matter more than you think, by Ruth Oji
In a world where artificial intelligence can write essays and chatbots can hold conversations, you might wonder: does human communication skill still matter? The answer is a resounding yes. While technology handles routine communication tasks, the ability to persuade and inspire through authentic human expression has become our most valuable professional currency. The Communication Paradox of […]
Why your next breakthrough might come from saying nothing, by Ruth Oji
In our fast-paced and hyperconnected world, silence has become an endangered species. We live in a culture that worships the quick comeback, the instant response, or the rapid-fire exchange. In different spaces, be it in boardrooms, classrooms, newsrooms or buka shops, we’ve convinced ourselves that thinking time is wasted time. But what if we’ve got […]
Shall vs Should – When Grammar Meets Etiquette, by Ruth Oji
“Shall we begin?” sounds formal and old-fashioned to many ears today, while “Should we start?” feels natural and contemporary. Yet both expressions serve similar functions, highlighting one of English’s most intriguing modal verb pairs. Understanding when to use “shall” versus “should” isn’t just about grammar. It’s about navigating social expectations, cultural contexts, and professional appropriateness. […]
Can vs Could – The Small Words with Big Impact, by Ruth Oji
Picture this: You’re crafting an important email to your boss. Do you write “Can you review this proposal?” or “Could you review this proposal?” That tiny difference might seem insignificant, but it could determine whether your request is received warmly or creates unintended friction. Welcome to the fascinating world of modal verbs, where “can” and “could” wield […]
Will vs. Would: Mastering future expressions in professional writing, by Ruth Oji
A journalist friend recently confided in me his confusion about when to use “will” versus “would” in his reporting. “I know they’re both about the future,” he said, “but I’m never sure which one sounds right.” His honest admission sparked this week’s column because mastering these two words can transform your professional writing from uncertain to […]
Application materials: Crafting compelling personal statements, by Ruth Oji
Whether you’re applying for college, graduate school, or a dream job, your written application materials often serve as your first impression. A compelling personal statement or cover letter can be the difference between standing out or being overlooked – there is a lot of competition nowadays. These documents provide a crucial opportunity to showcase not just […]
Overcoming public speaking anxiety: Physiological techniques for classroom presentations, by Ruth Oji
The lecture hall falls silent as Chioma’s name is called. Her heart pounds against her chest like a drum, her palms instantly slick with sweat. The PowerPoint slide glows on the screen behind her, but the words she rehearsed for hours the night before have vanished from her mind. As she walks to the podium, […]
Effective communication in the workplace: Technology that helps rather than hinders(2), by Ruth Oji
Continued from last week Consider a scenario where an international consulting firm recognizes that consultants are struggling with digital communication overload. Rather than simply adding another tool, they conduct a thorough audit of how information is flowing and identify specific pain points. In this hypothetical case, they discover that critical project updates are scattered across email, […]
Effective communication in the workplace: Practical strategies for success, by Ruth Oji
The quality of organizational communication directly affects efficiency, employee engagement, and financial results. For companies managing remote and cross-functional teams, effective communication has become a strategic necessity rather than just a helpful skill. In this article, I explore practical approaches to workplace communication, illustrated through hypothetical scenarios and examples designed to demonstrate key principles. Read on. […]
The art and science of crafting powerful headlines and titles, by Ruth Oji
Did you know that as readers of this insightful column, you can write to me to request topics of interest to be written on? Yes, you heard that right. This week’s article is one of such articles based on request. So, let’s get down to it. In journalism and content creation, headlines serve as both invitation […]
Power in the Pen: Why your voice choice matters, by Ruth Oji
Ever wonder why some academic papers put you to sleep faster than a two-hour lecture after an all-nighter, while others keep you surprisingly engaged? The secret might be hiding in plain sight: it’s all about voice — active versus passive voice, to be precise. What’s the Voice Dilemma? “The ball was thrown by John.” “John threw […]
Writing executive summaries that drive decision-making, by Ruth Oji
Information in today’s business environment is highly saturated; therefore, the ability to break down complex ideas into understandable components isn’t just a valuable skill—it’s a career differentiator. Executive summaries serve as the critical bridge between detailed analysis and strategic decision-making, yet many professionals struggle to craft summaries that truly drive action. In this article, I share […]
The language of conviction: Unpacking “I Think,” “I Believe,” and “In My Opinion”, by Ruth Oji
In the subtlety of everyday conversation, we rarely pause to consider the weight our introductory phrases carry. Three expressions in particular—”I think,” “I believe,” and “in my opinion”—slip from our lips with such frequency that they’ve become nearly invisible to us. Yet these seemingly interchangeable phrases colour our statements in distinctly different hues, revealing volumes about […]
The future of academic publishing: Navigating Open Access and digital platforms, by Ruth Oji
The world of academic publishing is experiencing a fundamental transformation. New technologies, shifting perspectives on knowledge sharing, and changing funding structures are revolutionising how research is published and accessed. This transformation is primarily driven by open access publishing and the rise of digital platforms. In this article, I explore these developments, what they mean for researchers, […]
Ethical considerations in academic communication: Plagiarism, citation and beyond, by Ruth Oji
In academia, ethical communication forms the bedrock of scholarly integrity. As researchers and writers, we are not merely conveying information; we are participating in a global dialogue built on trust, honesty, and rigorous standards. This article explores the critical ethical considerations in academic communication, focusing on plagiarism, proper citation practices, and other key ethical issues that […]
