August 3, 2026
For actuaries, technical expertise is essential. But expertise alone is rarely enough to make an impact. Whether it is about explaining a complex model, presenting results to management or discussing recommendations with a client, communication is what turns knowledge into understanding – and understanding into action.
As coach Gregor Vaneria puts it, communication is ultimately about convincing others: explaining what is being done, why it matters and what added value it brings. This ability is becoming even more important in a world shaped by artificial intelligence. While AI can support analysis, automate processes and make technical work more efficient, human qualities such as judgement, empathy and the ability to communicate ideas clearly remain difficult to replace. In that sense, soft skills are increasingly becoming essential professional skills.
This is particularly relevant for actuaries. Actuarial education provides a strong technical foundation, but the profession also requires the ability to communicate that knowledge to people who may not share the same technical background. Cillian Browne, a young actuary from Ireland, highlights exactly this point: communication deserves just as much attention because it is a skill that actuaries will use throughout their professional lives.
Public speaking is one important part of that. Presenting in front of others can feel intimidating, but it is also a skill that can be learned. Noémie Elkrieff emphasizes that practical techniques can make speaking in public significantly easier. Like many other professional skills, confidence grows through preparation, practice and experience.
For the next generation of actuaries, strong communication will therefore be just as important as strong analytical skills. The ability to simplify complexity, adapt a message to different audiences and present ideas with confidence helps actuaries not only produce excellent work, but also ensure that their work is understood and valued.
Technical skills may help to find the right answer. Communication skills help make that answer matter.
