Communicating and Influencing at EO level needs clear evidence, not a list of qualities. This guide explains the criteria, shows how to build a focused statement and gives you complete examples to study before writing your own.
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What is Communicating and Influencing?
Communicating and Influencing is about choosing a useful way to communicate, making your point clear and responding well to other people. EO evidence needs to show more than sending an email. It should show audience awareness, listening, challenge and a visible effect on the outcome.
What are the criteria at EO level?
The EO scoring guide has the following criteria. Your statement does not need to repeat this wording. It needs to make each point visible through the actions you took.
- communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
- take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money
- interact with others in an enthusiastic way
- express ideas clearly and with respect for others
- listen to and value different ideas, views and ways of working
- respond constructively and objectively to comments and questions
- handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity
How to structure your statement
Keep the background short so the assessor has enough room to see your judgement and actions. A 250-word statement normally needs most of its words in the action section.
| Part | What to show |
|---|---|
| Situation | The service, task or challenge and why it mattered. |
| Task | Your own responsibility, authority and the required outcome. |
| Action | The decisions, checks, communication and practical steps linked to the criteria. |
| Result | A clear outcome, measure, learning or sustained improvement. |
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