Impactful Communication: Blair Huddy Of Hudson Davis Communications On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Know your audience — effective communication also means you’re reaching the right people at the right time. Know who you’re talking to: how do they like to be communicated with? What time of day? What method? How often? Answering those questions will help you communicate with them effectively.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Blair Huddy.
With more than 15 years of experience in B2B marketing, communications, and public relations, Blair has led marketing projects for global powerhouses including Meta, Google, Apple, Oracle, Adobe, Visa, Turing, Universal Music Group, Salesforce, and more. In 2017, Blair began working with the United Nations on communicating their Sustainable Development Goals to the Fortune 500, and has since been a critical part of writing sustainability reports for many of the brands you know and love. Today, Blair focuses on leveraging her wealth of knowledge to support companies that prioritize human health and environmental sustainability.
In 2024, she was recognized by Qwoted as one of their top 100 public relations experts in the world. Blair earned her Bachelor’s degree in business communication and marketing from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s degree in Communication Management and Marketing from the University of Southern California. A lifelong learner, she has also studied Climate Policy and Carbon Finance at Harvard Business School, Corporate Finance and Securities at Columbia University, Environmental Science at the Universities of Maryland and Cape Town, and Developing Policy for Innovation at MIT. Blair lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and company co-founder, Nick.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My backstory is kind of funny. I’m a huge fan of the show FRIENDS and the episode where Chandler changes careers always stuck with me. He chooses a career in Advertising and that field always interested me, so that’s what I decided to study in school. Marketing and Advertising programs are often linked, and Communications was a class I took early on. I loved it, so I decided to focus on that, and the rest is history.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
I was almost an FBI communications consultant and decided instead to go into the private sector. The government/public sector process is very slow, and it was between that job and another one for a private company. The private one paid more and I got an offer more quickly, and at the time, those qualities were more important to me (I was young and just starting my career). I often wonder what my life would be like if I had worked for the FBI instead. It might have been more like the show Criminal Minds or something like that!
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
The first is relentless optimism. There is so much that comes at you so fast, that it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you want to give up, and that feeling comes all the time. When I first started my company, I made so many mistakes. I hired the wrong people. Paid for the wrong software. Joined the wrong organizations. Without relentless optimism, I would have quit so many times over.
The second is a love for what you do. Maybe I’d call that passion. If you don’t have that passion, the grind will wear you down quickly. I have a genuine love for communication; it springs me out of bed every single day. Even on hard days. I would say that’s extremely important.
The third is being kind of absurd. What I mean by that is I just kind of go for things, even if they seem far-fetched. I always asked for a slightly higher salary than I thought was fair and was surprised when I got it. I’d ask for a corner office; what’s the worst that could happen? They say no. Okay, fine. No isn’t that bad. So, whatever you’re afraid to ask for, just ask for it. I asked for absurd titles, salaries, signing bonuses, offices, schedules, exit terms, you name it.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
An effective communicator can speak to people in a way that puts them into action. They’re able to get their thoughts across clearly. They’re leaders. Effective communication is leadership, period. They’re able to use verbal and non-verbal communication and still get results. They know how to manage a crisis quickly and calmly.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
By using different language styles. Use different types of jargon as needed for different audiences or situations. You can also communicate with your body language as well as the way you dress and present yourself. So if you’re heading into a formal business situation, change the way you speak, dress, and carry yourself for that situation than you would, let’s say, at home.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
I definitely change my communication style when I’m in a room full of leaders versus when I’m at home. I dress professionally, I use different words, and I carry myself completely differently. When I’m at home, I’m wearing pajamas, I’m more relaxed, and I’m using totally different words. I wouldn’t show up to that presentation in pajamas, that’s for sure. Though that would definitely make an impression, and it would certainly send a message.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
I handle them openly and honestly. And one of the keys is to face them head on and quickly. The longer you delay a sensitive conversation, the worse it can get. Obviously you need to have discretion and be sensitive to people’s feelings. Tone is important as is word choice and body language, but the most important thing is to just kind of rip the Band-Aid off and get the conversation started.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
Storytelling absolutely plays a role in effective communication. You need to be able to get people to buy into what you’re telling them, and the easiest way to do that is to tell them a story. Stories are effective in communication because they’re entertaining and easy to follow, and they have clear calls to action and lessons that stick with the audience even after the story is over.
What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1. Communicate quickly — if you have something you need to say, say it quickly, don’t put it off. Effective communication hinges on speed.
2. Be VERY clear — don’t leave room for interpretation. If you do, there’s chance for a mess, and that’s not effective communication. You want to make sure you’re being crystal clear about what you’re trying to get across.
3. Know your audience — effective communication also means you’re reaching the right people at the right time. Know who you’re talking to: how do they like to be communicated with? What time of day? What method? How often? Answering those questions will help you communicate with them effectively.
4. Get straight to the point — this is kind of a continuation of points one and two. Be quick, clear, and get straight to it. Don’t dance around what you’re trying to say. Just say it.
5. Hire a pro if you need to — it’s okay if you need to ask for help. You hire a lawyer when you need help with legal matters, and communications is the same. Comms pros are here to help when you need us.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
Things like what you wear, how you hold yourself (your posture, for example), your tone and volume are all examples of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal cues help you make sure that the emotional meaning of your message matches the verbal content. They build trust, show empathy, and make communication more authentic and effective.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
Digital formats have changed all forms of communication because you can get your message out to more people much more quickly. It’s easier to misinterpret meaning in a digital format, so it’s much more important to be sure you’re clear about your meaning and to check to make sure you’re not saying anything that could backfire. The speed of digital communication also presents both benefits and challenges. While it allows for instant connection and rapid response, it can also lead to rushed or reactive messaging. I’ve learned that slowing down — taking the time to clarify intent and anticipate how others might receive a message — can make digital communication far more effective and trustworthy.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
Stage fright is normal; it’s your body’s natural response to being in front of a lot of people and having all of their eyes on you. Plus, there’s usually a ton of pressure to say something profound; it’s a lot. The key is learning to channel that energy rather than fight it. Preparation is the first and most important step: the more familiar you are with your material, the more confident you’ll feel. I’ve found that practicing out loud, like in front of a mirror or with someone you trust, helps me feel more comfortable and less nervous.
Another thing that helps me is to focus on physically calming my body right before speaking. I like to do some deep diaphragmatic breathing with slow exhales, even though they sound really benign, it really does help. It also helps me to shift my thinking from “Everyone’s judging me,” to “I’m here to share something valuable.”
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
I always recommend Simon Sinek’s books, he is an excellent communicator and has some excellent tips for anyone looking to get started. There are also free communications classes from leading universities on EdX which are great, I take them all the time as refreshers and to keep my skills sharp.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would warn people about the dangers of Vitamin B6. I got Vitamin B6 poisoning in early 2025 and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It can take years to recover; I’m still not fully healed. Please check all of your supplements, energy drinks, cereals, and anything else you consume for synthetic vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine. Synthetic B6 is the only B vitamin that’s not water soluble and is a neurotoxin. It’s incredibly dangerous and hidden in things like magnesium, melatonin, energy drinks, electrolytes, and so much more. I can’t even begin to describe the horrific experience that is vitamin B6 toxicity. If I can prevent people from going through what I went through, that’s the movement I would want to start.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can follow me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/blairhuddy
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Impactful Communication: Blair Huddy Of Hudson Davis Communications On 5 Essential Techniques for… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.