How would you describe your oral and written communication abilities?

Sample answer to the question

I would describe my oral and written communication abilities as strong. I have excellent interpersonal skills and can effectively convey information both verbally and in writing. In my previous role as a Crop Scientist, I regularly communicated with team members, stakeholders, and clients to discuss research findings and project updates. I also prepared scientific reports and presentations to disseminate our findings. My communication abilities played a crucial role in successfully collaborating with scientists from diverse backgrounds and presenting our research to a wider audience.

A more solid answer

I would describe my oral and written communication abilities as excellent. Throughout my career, I have honed my communication skills through various experiences. As a Crop Scientist, I regularly presented research findings and project updates to team members, stakeholders, and clients. I also authored scientific manuscripts and prepared reports to disseminate our findings. Additionally, I have been an active participant in conferences and symposiums, where I have delivered oral presentations to a diverse audience. These experiences have not only strengthened my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly, but also to adapt my communication style to different audiences and effectively convey information.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands upon the basic answer by emphasizing the candidate's excellent communication abilities. It provides more details about the candidate's experiences in presenting research findings and project updates, as well as their involvement in conferences and symposiums. It also mentions the candidate's ability to adapt their communication style to different audiences.

An exceptional answer

I would describe my oral and written communication abilities as exceptional. Throughout my career as a Crop Scientist, I have consistently demonstrated exceptional communication skills. I have a talent for distilling complex scientific concepts into clear and concise language that can be understood by both technical and non-technical audiences. In addition to presenting research findings and project updates, I have also mentored and trained junior scientists, improving their communication abilities and helping them effectively convey their ideas. Furthermore, I have published several peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals, showcasing my strong writing skills and ability to communicate research findings with precision and clarity.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer takes the solid answer to another level by highlighting the candidate's exceptional communication skills. It emphasizes their talent for distilling complex scientific concepts into accessible language, their experience in mentoring and training junior scientists, and their publication record in top-tier journals. These additional details demonstrate the candidate's ability to go above and beyond in their communication abilities.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past experiences where you had to communicate information effectively, both orally and in writing. This could include presenting research findings, writing reports, or collaborating with team members.
Practice presenting complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Use layman's terms to ensure that non-technical audiences can understand the information.
Improve your writing skills by actively seeking feedback on your written work. Consider joining a writing group or consulting with colleagues to enhance your ability to communicate research findings.
Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in crop science and related fields. This will not only help you communicate effectively but also showcase your expertise in the subject matter during interviews and presentations.

What interviewers are evaluating

Oral communication
Written communication