Top Strategies to Improve Communication Skills for Technical Leaders in AEC – Ep 356

In this episode, I talk with Ruth Milligan, founder and speech coach at Articulation Inc., about communication skills for technical leaders in AEC, and how small, intentional changes can transform the way professionals connect with clients, teams, and audiences. We explore leadership communication strategies, public speaking for engineers, and presentation skills for technical professionals that help leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Top Strategies to Improve Communication Skills for Technical Leaders in AEC:





Great speakers know that communication is a habit built through practice, feedback, and self-reflection, not something that comes naturally. In technical or leadership settings, communication skills for technical leaders in AEC improve when they align their message with the audience’s expertise and focus on clarity instead of overwhelming details.

Strong preparation begins by identifying the question most important to the audience, whether it concerns budget, schedule, or performance. Once that question is clear, technical leaders in AEC can filter their information to deliver only what matters most, keeping the message relevant and impactful.

Leaders can create low-stakes opportunities, such as short updates in staff meetings, to help team members practice communication before high-stakes situations. Making expectations clear and giving feedback in these smaller moments builds confidence and strengthens communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.

Feedback is most effective when there is an agreement that it may be given and when it comes with a replacement strategy rather than just pointing out flaws. For example, encouraging someone to pause and take a breath instead of saying “like” or “um” helps them develop stronger communication habits in AEC leadership settings.

Common missteps include overloading slides, mismanaging time, and failing to read the room, which leaves audiences disengaged. Strong teams rehearse, assign roles clearly, and build trust by being present and conversational—core communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.

When audiences show signs of disengagement, it helps to pause, acknowledge the shift, and ask what matters most to them at that moment. Redirecting with courage keeps the conversation focused and demonstrates communication skills that technical leaders in AEC need to lead effectively.

Teams that rehearse multiple times perform more effectively because repetition builds timing, clarity, and confidence. Clear roles, structured Q&A handling, and disciplined storytelling sharpen the presentation and reinforce communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.

Confidence grows when managers focus on listening to the client’s emotions instead of overloading them with data or defenses. By acknowledging frustration and addressing top priorities first, technical leaders in AEC build trust and demonstrate strong communication skills under pressure.

Professionals can stay grounded with calming techniques like mindful breathing, steady posture, or repeating a reassuring mantra. Recognizing stress triggers and leaning on teammates when needed prevents defensive reactions and supports communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.

Storytelling adds an emotional layer that data alone cannot provide, making technical information more relatable and memorable. Short, real-world examples highlight expertise while demonstrating problem-solving and communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.

Improvement starts by changing one communication habit rather than attempting a complete overhaul at once. Small, consistent adjustments create long-term strength and lasting impact in communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.