Category: People

Competency: Communicating Effectively

Competency Definition: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: CE - 26


Communicating Effectively

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Struggles to express main ideas in a way that others can follow
  • Uses nonverbal cues (body language, tone) that contradict or confuse the spoken message
  • Displays body language and facial expressions that conflict with the message
  • Struggles to adjust communication style, type, or channel to suit the target audience
  • Communication is disorganized or contains frequent errors that affect understanding

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Communicates main ideas in a logical order using simple, direct language
  • Listens, acknowledges others' perspectives, and responds thoughtfully
  • Uses appropriate tone, body language, and facial expressions to support the message
  • Adapts communication style, type, or channel to ensure message is received; adjusts pacing and tone to match audience and context
  • Produces organized writing with occasional errors that do not interfere with meaning

Exceeds


Applies the competency independently in challenging or high-impact situations, adding value or insight

Exceptional


Demonstrates subject-matter expertise, serves as a role model, and elevates standards.
  • Uses structured language, relevant examples, and supporting details to convey complex ideas in a way that enhances understanding
  • Demonstrates advanced active listening by summarizing, reflecting, and responding to concerns with empathy
  • Integrates body language and facial expressions to enhance communication and engagement
  • Anticipates audience needs and strategically shapes communication style, type, and channel to maximize understanding, engagement, and desired outcomes
  • Communicates challenging or detailed ideas clearly and logically, demonstrating tact and sensitivity to others’ emotions