Last Updated on April 14, 2026

Did you know it was the use of “language”, “tools” and “communication” that set “homo sapiens” apart? Modern humans (evolved from homo sapiens) worked collaboratively to combat one of the most difficult times in human history. Their sense of community and intelligence opened new doors to opportunities. That is, communication skills play a key role in shaping cultures and cohesiveness. They help humans understand each other better to live, work and play harmoniously together in Mother Land.

*This article is inspired by a recent visit (see the latest video here) to the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. Follow us to see more footage of how living a life with an open mind can have a positive influence on work and life.

homo sapiens is our common ancestor

Modern humans have been living in the Cenozoic era starting 66 million years ago until today (USGS, n.d.). Cenozoic is also the “Age of Mammals”. Paleontologists discovered fossils that proved our origin (a common ancestor – most likely to be homo sapiens), which was located in today’s term, Africa, roughly 100,000 to 200,000 years ago.

If it weren’t for the discovery and use of “language”, “tools” and “communication”, our kind would have been extinct tens – or hundreds – of thousands of years ago. Did you notice all of which above are interconnected? The word language can include spoken language and body language. As we share a common ancestor, homo sapiens, it is widely believed that homo sapiens developed a sense of community. Modern humans learned to use “language” and “communication skills” (acquired skills). As a result, homo sapiens was the last human standing until this day.

what makes humankind unique

Imagine if you were the one discovering “fire”, what could you possibly do with it without help? If you were living in a time where you had no access to existing tools. Because you would need to hunt for food and find clean and drinkable water, you need (and maintain) a shelter to be safe from threat and danger.

Would you be able to fulfill your duties and survive without help? Yes, but what does “homo sapiens was the last human standing” tell you?

With that in mind, forming a community, including the development of language and communication, is how our common ancestor stayed on top of their game.

Maximizing “tools” via communication is the key. “Working together as a whole” certainly helps humans live through many difficult times in human history.

how humans became the apex predators

Humans are small compared to dinosaurs who once dominated the Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era and eventually went into extinction in the Cretaceous period. In the Cenozoic era, life started with a single organism, but how did humans work their way up to the top of the food chain in such a short period?

It didn’t take humans (mammals) long to become the apex predators on Earth as such small beings. Humans can be quite vulnerable in comparison with other animals, like a black bear or a wolf.

Think about this: if a black bear appears in front of you, without “the development of intelligence”, like the use of tools (e.g., using a tree branch or twig to defend yourself) and emotional intelligence (e.g., calm yourself and resolving issues), you may not be able to remain at the top of the food chain. The development of Intelligence and a sense of community equivocally play important parts in human history. Humans can thus maintain their position as apex predators for thousands of years despite being small mammals.

communication skills matter to every single person

Berelevant Network is led by a human behaviour and social environment expert, who empowered individuals with diverse abilities (both verbal and non-verbal individuals) to build skills needed to survive in society and identify talents.

We were founded by a former mental health frontline worker and case manager who realized a lack of human skills (especially communication skills) can exist across all industries, unfortunately, including the human services industry known for trained professionals working with humans.

A saying goes, “It is not what you say but how you say it”. Words cannot always describe abstract concepts, for instance, your feelings and perceptions. This is often where “misunderstandings” and “miscommunication” come from. In professional settings, although written communication is prioritized, not many are equipped with such skills. Because writing is more than just putting (grammatically correct) sentences together.

Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 Communication Model suggests that only 7% of all communication comes from spoken words, and 38% and 55% of that are from tone of voice and body language respectively (Michail, 2021). In other words, humans communicate with each other through non-verbal communication (e.g., solution-seeking abilities, time management skills, resilience and emotional intelligence) the most.

how we can help you succeed in communication

We acknowledge and recognize there is a dearth of affordable digital-first mental health promotion services in the world. Our mission is to democratize human skills development (read our story) by offering free and cost-effective resources.

All you need is basic computer literacy and intermediate English. We believe spoken language is merely one of the many ways to express feelings and thoughts, so you can make a special request if English is not your first language. We will assess your English comprehension via a short call and adjust our teaching materials accordingly. Terms apply.

• For individuals: Learn more about our communication skills program here

• For teams: Explore our human skills development corporate workshops to learn how human skills workshops can make a difference in team engagement

references

Youth and Education in Science. (n.d.). Cenozoic. USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/youth-and-education-in-science/cenozoic

Michail, J. (2021, December 10). Strong Nonverbal Skills Matter Now More Than Ever In This “New Normal”. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2020/08/24/strong-nonverbal-skills-matter-now-more-than-ever-in-this-new-normal/