In this episode of the UB School of Management podcast, host Patrick Lageraaen interviews Mary Ann Rogers, Clinical Associate Professor of Organization and Human Resources, about the importance of professional communication. Professor Rogers teaches the first-year MBA class on management communication and discusses the art and significance of effective communication in the business world. They cover topics such as the soft skills taught in the MBA program, the value of communication in leadership and collaboration, the skills covered in the management communication class, and the importance of audience-centered communication. They also discuss the impact of poor communication skills on career advancement and the need for self-awareness and emotional regulation in effective communication. Professor Rogers shares tips for improving communication skills, such as valuing people, using persuasion techniques, and practicing active listening. She also addresses common communication mistakes, such as lack of awareness, not understanding the audience, and poor listening skills. The episode concludes with a discussion on communication pet peeves and the importance of being thoughtful and respectful in communication.