As more and more of the workforce becomes educated, and more and more industries become automated, professionals find it difficult to stay competitive – to set themselves apart from everyone else. These days, the people who stand out from the pack are the ones with good communication skills. Here is what the research says: professionals who can communicate in a way that is clear, relatable, and persuasive are the ones who are more likely to keep their jobs, earn pay raises, get promoted, and become leaders within organizations.