Professor Karen Healy is a social work educator and researcher based at The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia. She has written five books in the field of social work including works on theory for practice and social work methods and skills. Professor Healy has also written numerous journal articles in a broad range of social work and social policy topics including: professional practice; international comparison of child welfare systems; workforce issues and professional recognition. Professor Healy conducts professional writing workshops with social workers and is involved in research and evaluation of social work practice and social policies.  Associate Professor Joan Mulholland has researched and taught at the universities of London and Queensland over a long period and is currently an Honorary Researcher at the School of English Media Studies and Art History, University of Queensland. She has published on language skills in a range of practice such as business, health and social work, and on the persuasive tactics which can help all professional writers and speakers  achieve their goals. She has always been concerned that, in the changing world of professional practice of all kinds, people can enhance their communication efficiency with the range of different people they will meet in their working lives.