"What are the rules of data visualization, a practice that draws on research into cognitive theory, graphical perception, statistics and journalism?

"It used to be (back before the Internet, smartphones and social media) that if you wanted or needed to speak to a client, you picked up the phone – or you sent her a letter.

According to John Brandon (photo, left), "One minute can make the difference between your getting fired, infuriating an investor, ticking off every employee in your company, or breaking up a relationship and your impressing a client or business partner and avoiding looking foolish (or worse).

"Check out these 17 icebreakers that will help ease you into an engaging conversation with people you've never met before.

Rebecca Greenfield reports.

"What’s the true power of written communication to customers?

Carolyn Gregoire (photo, left) checks in with author Nicholas Carr.

Laura McMullen shares the advice of Patrick Lencioni (photo, left).

"You probably already have a resume, and you probably already know you’re supposed to write a cover letter," begins Lily Zhang (photo, left) in a piece at TheMuse.

"A single word can be the difference between success and failure of email marketing campaigns.

"What Lord of the Rings can teach us about leading meetings that don't make you want to jump out the nearest window: .

Barbara Roche (photo, left) reports.

"Public speaking means – for most people – stress and a sudden flurry of decision-making under stress.

"Writing is a skill of minimalism.

James A.

According to Alison Green, "Job seekers tend to overanalyze everything that happens during the hiring process – from how long it takes a company to respond to their application to how friendly the person calling to schedule an interview sounds.

Chris Weller defines the "rule of three" and explains why it isn't what it is cracked up to be.

"Remember these points before taking it personally.

"Remember these points before taking it personally.

"Are your eyes glazing over from staring at the computer – refreshing the online job search engines every other minute and blindly emailing résumés?

"Here's how to handle various levels of interview catastrophes: .

"Poor use of PowerPoint is such a common bad habit that it’s almost become the norm in the corporate world.

"We take listening for granted as a noble conversation skill.

"You want to project confidence, competence, professionalism, and self-assurance.

Richard A.