Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

It is almost cliché to say that to be a good writer (or good speaker), you should read (or listen to) good writers and speakers. This is true. However, it must be taken with a grain of salt because being too attentive to how others write and speak can lead you into dangerous territory.