I recently came across a quote that I really like:

“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”

As consulting actuaries, isn’t that exactly what we do every day? Our work often starts in the fog of complex problems and data—and our role is to bring clarity. We put numbers to real-world issues, analyze assumptions, and ultimately translate all of it into something our clients can understand and act on.

Of course, that translation doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some clients are comfortable diving into formulas and technical terms, while others need visuals—charts, graphs, or illustrations—to really grasp the point. And then there are the clients who simply want the bottom line: “Just tell me what it means.”

But communication isn’t just about words or data. Nonverbal cues matter just as much. Think about walking into a meeting—if you appear nervous or uncertain, your client can pick up on that energy. Suddenly, they’re nervous too. Confidence, tone, and body language can shape how your message is received before you’ve even said a word.

The truth is that communication is a skill we never stop refining. It shifts depending on who we’re talking to and the context—whether it’s a client, a colleague, a friend, or a family member. (And for those of us with teenage kids, that last one is a whole different ballgame!)

Another quote I’ve always liked says:

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

How many times have we thought we were perfectly clear, only to realize later that the other person heard something completely different? It’s a humbling reminder that clarity doesn’t come from what we say—it comes from what the other person understands.

So, keep working at it. Communication is a lifelong skill, and one that makes all of us—not just better actuaries—but better professionals, teammates, and people.

And there’s no better place to sharpen that skill than with peers who understand the unique challenges of consulting. At the CCA we come together to learn, share experiences, and strengthen the very communication and connection that define our profession. After all, every conversation we have, whether in a session, a hallway chat, or over coffee—helps build that bridge between confusion and clarity.