After 6 weeks of Army schools by day and PhD dissertation by night, here are 5 tips to improve your communication skills that apply to both professions.

1. Instead of trying to sound smart, seek to be understood. Avoid big words unless they are necessary to communicate point.

2. The best communicators are clear and concise. There is truth in the old adage, "I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time." But brevity is a skillset that comes with practice. The investment is worth it.

3. Remember the rhetorical triangle. Ethos, pathos, and logos (appeals to ethics, emotion, and logic) combine to make a compelling argument. If it worked for Aristotle, it'll work for you.

4. Take time to revise. Whether you are rethinking what you're about to post, or clarifying an argument/analysis, you will never regret taking the time to make sure you are being accurate, relevant, and credible.

5. Always be reading. Reading good writing makes you a better communicator. It also strengthens your opinions and critical-thinking ability with varied perspectives and relevant, credible, evidence/examples/case studies.
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