There was a time when if you needed something, you’d find the number in the Yellow Pages, pick up the phone and speak to a real person. Problem solved.
Today?
We email.
We wait.
We follow up (politely).
We check LinkedIn to see if they’ve been active lately. Then we wonder if it’s too forward to call unannounced. And if someone does answer?
We’ve unfortunately entered the era of communication avoidance.
Tools like Slack, Teams, messaging apps, and AI chatbots have made communication faster - but not necessarily better. In fact, many professionals are now noticeably less comfortable with direct, unscripted human interaction.
The result? We’re losing confidence in the very skills that build trust, accelerate careers and create meaningful connections.
Why No One Picks Up the Phone Anymore (and Why You Should)
A whole generation has entered the workforce without ever being expected to speak on the phone regularly, and they’re not alone. Plenty of experienced professionals now sidestep live conversations too.
Why?
Because we’ve grown used to communicating only when we feel fully prepared. Behind a screen, there’s time to edit, rephrase and perfect our message. But real time communication? That feels riskier.
And yet, this is where careers are built: in the space of conversation, not just documentation.
The quick call that builds rapport.
The question asked in a meeting.
The confident pitch of an idea, even when you’re not 100% sure of the outcome.
These are the moments where visibility, connection and opportunity come to life.
And the data backs it up:
- According to a 2023 LinkedIn survey, 92% of talent professionals say soft skills like communication are just as important - if not more so - than hard skills.
- The Harvard Business Review notes that people increasingly avoid phone calls, even though voice conversations are far more effective at building trust and connection than written messages.
- A recent Preply study found that over 65% of professionals experience some form of communication apprehension, especially around public speaking and phone calls.
These aren’t just preferences, they’re patterns. And they could be quietly holding you back.
The Three Underrated Career Superpowers
There are three communication skills that continue to set people apart - yet are increasingly underdeveloped:
Phone confidence
Not sales patter or cold calls—just the ability to speak clearly and calmly on the phone, ask questions, and get to the point without spiralling into panic.
Public speaking
Not TED Talk-level storytelling. Just presenting an idea to your team, speaking up in a meeting, or explaining your point without relying solely on a slide deck.
Real-life networking
Having genuine, in-person conversations. Making eye contact. Introducing yourself at an event. Following up with intent—not just likes and comments online.
These might seem basic, but they’re far from common. And in a market where standout qualities matter more than ever, they could be what gives you the edge.
Is This Hurting Your Career? Honestly, yes
Here’s what doesn’t get talked about enough:
Visibility still matters. Presence still matters. And communication - in real time - is still a key driver of career growth.
You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room. But you do need to be able to show up, speak clearly, and connect with others. It’s how trust is built, leadership is recognised, and doors start to open.
Soft skills like these are increasingly referred to as “power skills” - and for good reason. They fuel confidence, create clarity and set professionals apart in a crowded field.
Three Practical Ways to Build Confidence
- Pick up the phone once a day.
Whether it’s calling a colleague, confirming an appointment, or chasing up a delivery, get comfortable with unscripted conversation. - Join a group that gets you talking.
This could be a public speaking workshop, a local meetup, or even a discussion-based book club. The goal is to practise articulating your thoughts under a little healthy pressure. - Try “micro-networking.”
No need to “work the room.” Instead, focus on small, authentic interactions: a thoughtful question to a speaker, a compliment to a peer, or a brief follow-up message with intent.
At Orbis, We Coach Beyond the CV
When we support candidates through the hiring process, we don’t just chuck your CV at the wall and hope it sticks. From interview coaching to phone prep, we focus on the human side of hiring. The messy, real, awkward side that actually matters.
If you’re feeling stuck, stagnant, or scared to speak up - we see you. But let’s not let silence stall your success.
Because the truth is: Your next opportunity might not come via email. It might start with a “Hello.”
