Impactful Communication: Dr Trina Clayeux Of Give an Hour On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator

An Interview With Athalia Monae

Listen to understand, not respond. During an exploratory call for a potential project, I had to ask a number of clarifying questions and allow the person to answer, select what I thought I heard, and verify versus me talking and offering the solution I think they need.

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 Dr. Trina Clayeux.

Dr. Trina Clayeux serves as the CEO of Give an Hour, and brings a wealth of experience at the intersections of education, employment, and mental health. Her prior roles include Chief Operations Officer for community-based education and affordable housing organizations, Director of a national emergency military base closure event, and executive officer for a national corporate network supporting military spouse employment.

Dr. Clayeux holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies and a Master of Public Administration, and she has received accolades for her forward-thinking approaches and leadership excellence. A passionate advocate for the military and veteran communities, she draws on her personal experience as a military and veteran spouse to foster meaningful change.

At Give an Hour, Dr. Clayeux leads several key initiatives, including a mental health collaborative developed with the Stand Together Foundation, the Veteran Workforce Optimization Roadmap in partnership with the University of Phoenix, and is working in concert on a study of Veteran Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace with the University of New Orleans. Additionally, she is an avid athlete, using sports as a vital part of her personal self-care regimen.

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?

I grew up in northern Idaho, spending my time focused on school, sports, and outdoor activities. My brother and I were first-generation college students, which shaped my perspective on opportunities and challenges. My career path has been fairly nontraditional, with leadership roles in workforce development, education and training, affordable housing, and military veteran priorities. In each of these areas, I noticed a common thread: the lack of tailored mental health services and supports, whether in terms of access or care. As a military spouse, I’ve also experienced the full cycle from active service to veteran life, which has given me a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by this community. I feel privileged to be in a role and organization where I can affect meaningful change for others.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in some fascinating spaces, so picking the most interesting story is a challenge. One that stands out, though, is when I transitioned from working almost exclusively with adults — in education, workforce development, community corrections, and even a time with the liquor control commission — to becoming the director of a youth workforce and education center.

After I was offered and accepted the role, I candidly admitted to my new supervisor, “I’ve never really worked with young people — or even been around them much. In my defense, no one asked in any of the interviews.” Despite my initial trepidation, this role turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. They didn’t care about my experience, or lack thereof, but more so that I listened, kept my word, and worked to do better on their behalf.

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?

I try to approach every situation with the goal of finding mutual benefits, believing that win-win opportunities are the foundation of meaningful progress and make for better, valuable, and impactful experiences for all involved.

In talking with a technology company, we discussed their goals and I discussed our goals and we had it on the table what it would look like if we both had our goals met through this collaboration.

At Give an Hour, our approach to mental health care is to listen, lean in, learn, and lead. I believe in empowering those closest to the work with the confidence and tools to create impactful solutions, while taking responsibility for clearing obstacles, connecting resources, and building momentum.

In a recent initiative, we started with a project name that didn’t quite capture the spirit of our work. By reflecting on audience feedback — what resonated, how they responded, and what they valued — our team worked collaboratively to rebrand. The result was a phenomenal new name, content, and marketing strategy that aligned perfectly with our mission and audience needs.

Leadership requires a commitment to a near consistent cycle of self-reflection and emotional regulation, working to ensure your decisions are grounded in values rather than reactions. It’s a practice that can build trust and clarity or erode trust and foster confusion in the team.

In instances where I feel frustration rising over a topic or decision I think we should move on from I have to pause and remind myself of one of our values– to be curious and understand the team is trying to improve the work. That allows me to approach the conversation differently and be grateful we have such talented and passionate team members.

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?

I think of an effective communicator as someone who goes beyond just delivering their message but is deliberate in crafting or adapting it to be understood by the one receiving it. I think of it as a two way connection when it’s optimal.

Certainly characteristics include active listening, clarity, focus, and adaptability. It is important to recognize how easily communication can– and does–go wrong. Our perceptions and perspectives all influence how we share and receive messages. I know we’ve all been in that situation when we thought we were clear– from our perspective but it was not perceived the same by the person we were communicating with likely for a host of legitimate verbal and nonverbal reasons.

How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?

We communicate with many audiences which does require the art and science of active listening, thoughtful questioning, and constant adaptability. I think that initial connection begins with curiosity — listening to understand perspectives, priorities, and goals, not just words. Simple prompts like “Tell me more,” “What matters most to you?” or “How would you describe an ideal outcome?” can uncover key insights that help you better craft a message that resonates. You might adjust language or tone or pick up on subtle body language cues. Finally, following up with questions like “Are we on the same page?” or “Is there anything you’d like to add?” builds a better dynamic that indicates you are open to connect and collaborate.

Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?

I recently spoke to a group of construction engineers about mental health and well-being — a topic they may not typically associate with their field but is critically relevant. This audience tends to value practicality and problem-solving conversations, so adapting my style and message was essential to being heard.

To start, I focused on framing mental health in terms of leadership, productivity, and safety — concepts engineers, leaders, and safety professionals prioritize. I highlighted data showing how mental health directly impacts focus, decision-making, and workplace safety.

I used relatable examples, like how they maintain their tools and equipment to prevent wear and tear, drawing parallels to maintaining their mental well-being to avoid injury or burnout. They were a quiet audience, so I had to pay attention to other cues such as head nodding in affirmation or crossed arms letting me know it wasn’t landing.

By aligning the message with their priorities which I gained some insights into by spending the day with them before and providing practical takeaways, there seemed to be a greater acknowledgement this is an area they want to learn more about to be effective leaders.

How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?

Difficult conversations are challenging for all of us, and I work hard to ensure my intent and impact are aligned — but I know that doesn’t always happen. I try to approach these situations with empathy and respect, creating a space where the other person feels heard and valued. That often means listening more than I speak, acknowledging their feelings, and showing that I understand the sensitivity of the topic. We might not come to an agreement or resolution, and I like to acknowledge that upfront. At the end of the day, I aim to leave the conversation with mutual understanding and a path forward, even if it’s not perfect. It’s a learning process every time.

In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?

Storytelling plays a powerful role in impactful speaking, especially when addressing complex topics like mental health. Stories create emotional connections, making abstract or difficult subjects more relatable and memorable. They allow the audience to see themselves — or someone they care about — in the narrative, fostering empathy and understanding.

However, storytelling in mental health comes with unique challenges. It requires sensitivity to avoid perpetuating stigma or overwhelming the audience with distressing details. Balancing authenticity with hope is crucial; stories need to highlight struggles without leaving people feeling defeated. The key is to frame narratives in a way that emphasizes resilience, growth, or actionable solutions. You aim to share compelling stories that empower versus overwhelm while respecting confidentiality and dignity- not an easy thing to accomplish.

What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”?

1 . Listen to understand, not respond. During an exploratory call for a potential project, I had to ask a number of clarifying questions and allow the person to answer, select what I thought I heard, and verify versus me talking and offering the solution I think they need.

2 . Clarify your goals, ask them theirs. In an early partnership conversation, I shared my goals and asked what is important to them which helped us both listen for mutually beneficial opportunities to collaborate.

3 . When you know better, do better. In every industry, we have our own jargon so when you realize you are not resonating with the audience, recognize it and adjust.

4 . Invite feedback. After presenting or following a call, I might ask what resonated or is there something I can do in the future to be more clear.

5 . Close the loop. When people communicate– especially if it’s a challenging or sensitive conversation- close the loop with them. I might write a follow up to highlight what I heard and which commitments I can make and suggest another time to check in. People appreciate it and it removes some uncertainty.

How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?

I try to be intentional with my body language, facial expressions, and tone to be aligned with the message I want to convey. My mother has let me know many times that I use a lot of hand gestures which reflect my excitement and passion for the topics but too much can have the opposite effect. I’m working to ensure my gestures are purposeful rather than distracting, enhancing my message instead of competing with it.

For example, when discussing a serious topic like mental health, I focus on slowing down my movements, maintaining steady eye contact, and using open, welcoming gestures to create a sense of safety and trust. Conversely, when I want to inspire or energize, I let my natural enthusiasm come through with more dynamic gestures and a faster cadence. I don’t have it down by any means, it’s constant learning and refinement.

How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?

“Digital communication has revolutionized how we share our mission, engage with our audiences, and foster meaningful connections. It’s allowed us to amplify our reach and adapt our messages to diverse audiences through tactics such as segmented targeting, but it also brings unique challenges that require strategic solutions.

Advantages — We have broader reach and accessibility through our multiple social media platforms to audiences who may have never heard about Give an hour. From Social media to email campaigns, we can engage individuals seeking peer support, general supporters, funders, community members with specific messaging that resonates with those groups. This is cost efficient and helps provide lots of insightful data such as open rates, click-throughs, and social media analytics.

Challenges: Audiences are inundated with digital content, making it harder to cut through noise. Ensuring our messages stand out requires thoughtful, creative content, and consistent branding. In this process — it’s so important to maintain authenticity. You have to balance professionalism with authenticity to build trust and connection. In this process you have to consider the tech barriers and equity. Not everyone has equal access to digital platforms or the skills to navigate them effectively. In this digital world you get real time responses which can be great but also challenging. It takes consistent monitoring and thoughtful response to maintain our credibility and trust.” — Ryan Young, Marketing Manager.

Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?

It’s important to recognize that you know your work or topic and that people are generally interested in your experiences or perspectives. Try to connect with a number of people in the audience and have a few relatable stories or examples to share which helps others connect to the human aspects of your work. Ask for specific feedback — most people want to see you succeed and are happy to help you improve. Focus on feeling practiced, not overly rehearsed, by preparing 2–3 clear messages you want your audience to remember. Highlight these points at the beginning, weave them into your delivery, and reinforce them at the end to ensure they stick. Being confident and engaging is more powerful than a flawless dialogue.

What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?

• Books or podcasts on presenting and body language strategies
• Ted Talk research– there’s fascinating information on which elements make for the most viral Talks.
• Workshops, open mic, or other creative opportunities can help you build confidence and hone skills.

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 believe we each have a profound role and responsibility when it comes to mental health. This responsibility isn’t about diagnosing conditions or understanding clinical labels — it’s about embracing the power of generative mental health: the ability to nurture resilience, growth, and well-being in ourselves and those around us. By becoming more mentally health-literate, we can create a movement that empowers individuals to actively care for their minds, foster stronger connections, and unlock the collective potential for healthier, more compassionate relationships and communities. It’s completely within our reach.

How can our readers further follow you online?

You can follow us on socials @giveanhour and join our newsletter communications by visiting our website at www.giveanhour.org

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.