Communication Strategist
Margaret Lau works with Hong Kong professionals who want to express their needs without sounding aggressive, navigate tricky conversations with respect, and strengthen relationships through authentic dialogue.
Her Story
Margaret’s path into communication training wasn’t planned. She was working in HR at a multinational bank in Central when something clicked. She noticed talented professionals—really smart, capable people—staying silent in meetings. They had ideas worth hearing but didn’t speak up. When she asked why, the answer was always similar: “It’s not polite to disagree” or “I don’t want to seem aggressive.”
That observation stuck with her. She realised the problem wasn’t confidence—it was a disconnect between what people learned about communication (often Western models of direct assertiveness) and what Hong Kong culture actually values (respect, politeness, reading the room). There wasn’t a bridge between the two.
So she built one. After completing her Master’s in Organisational Psychology at HKU, Margaret spent eight years designing and delivering assertiveness workshops for corporations across finance, tech, and government. She tested different frameworks, learned what worked and what didn’t, and eventually developed her own approach—one that treats the DESC model and other communication tools not as rigid rules but as flexible techniques that respect Hong Kong’s cultural context.
Today, she’s trained over 2,000 professionals. What drives her isn’t the numbers though. It’s the moment when someone realises they can be both respectful and direct. Both culturally sensitive and clear about their needs. That’s when real change happens.
Background
Master’s degree in Organisational Psychology from the University of Hong Kong. Certificate in Assertiveness Training from the International Institute of Business Communication.
Started in HR at multinational bank in Central. Transitioned to independent training and consulting. Now leads training strategy at Speak Clear HK Limited.
Trained over 2,000 professionals across finance, tech, healthcare, and public sectors. Works with organisations and individuals to build healthier communication cultures.
Bridging Western assertiveness frameworks with Hong Kong cultural values. Teaching the DESC model in culturally sensitive ways. Navigating hierarchy and directness in Asian workplaces.
What She Teaches
Margaret’s training combines evidence-based psychology with real understanding of how Hong Kong professionals actually communicate. No generic Western frameworks. No one-size-fits-all approaches. Just practical techniques that fit your context.
Learn to express your needs, opinions, and concerns clearly without sounding rude or aggressive. The key isn’t being softer—it’s being clearer. Margaret teaches techniques for stating your position with confidence while maintaining respect.
Describe what happened. Express how it affects you. Specify what you need. Consequences if nothing changes. This four-step framework sounds simple, but it’s powerful. Margaret shows you how to use it in real situations—difficult feedback, boundary-setting, addressing problems with colleagues or managers.
Hong Kong values face, respect for hierarchy, and indirect communication. Western models often ignore this. Margaret teaches how to be direct and culturally appropriate at the same time. You don’t have to choose between being honest and being respectful.
Assertiveness isn’t just about speaking—it’s about listening too. Margaret teaches listening techniques that actually make people feel heard. This strengthens both professional and personal relationships. When people feel understood, conversations become easier.
Giving critical feedback. Setting boundaries. Saying no. Addressing conflict. These conversations scare most people. Margaret’s approach breaks them down into manageable steps and teaches you how to handle them with confidence and mutual respect.
Individual training is powerful. Organisational change is harder. Margaret works with teams and leaders to build communication cultures where people actually speak up, disagree respectfully, and solve problems together.
Her Approach
Communication isn’t universal. What works in New York doesn’t automatically work in Hong Kong. Margaret starts by understanding your context—your organisation’s values, your cultural background, your specific challenges. The techniques come second.
People can spot a script from a mile away. Margaret doesn’t teach you what to say word-for-word. She teaches you how to think about difficult conversations so you can find your own words. That feels genuine. People respond to genuine.
Hong Kong professionals often think they have to choose: be polite or be clear. Margaret’s philosophy is different. You can be both. In fact, being clear about your needs is more respectful than being vague and letting resentment build.
Real communication is two-way. Margaret teaches assertiveness as part of a larger skill set that includes active listening, empathy, and understanding the other person’s perspective. That’s what builds trust and solves actual problems.
Latest Work
The DESC model is simple but powerful. Learn how to use it in real situations—from giving critical feedback to addressing problems with colleagues. This four-step framework helps you communicate clearly without sounding aggressive.
Read the full articleMany Hong Kong professionals struggle with a false choice: either stay silent (passive) or speak harshly (aggressive). There’s a third way. Learn how to express your needs clearly while maintaining respect and cultural sensitivity.
Read the full articleGood communication isn’t just about speaking clearly. It’s about listening well. Margaret explores active listening techniques that make people feel genuinely heard. This strengthens both professional and personal relationships.
Read the full articleHong Kong has its own communication culture. Respect for hierarchy, saving face, indirect communication—these matter. Learn how to navigate these cultural expectations while still being clear about your needs and boundaries.
Read the full articleWhether you’re looking for individual training, workshops for your team, or just want to learn more about how Margaret can help, get in touch. She’ll respond within 24 hours.
Speak Clear HK Limited
Specialising in communication skills and assertiveness training for Hong Kong professionals
