What are the skills of a good communicator? How do you improve communication skills in business? What makes you a powerful communicator? How do you enhance your communication skills?
Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball
Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London. Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page.
Strong Communication Skills Are the Backbone of Business Success
Whether you’re leading a team, closing a deal, or resolving conflicts, being good at communicating effectively will set you apart. Developing these communication skills takes practice, but the payoff is significant: you’ll have better relationships, increased trust and improved outcomes.
Why Good Communication Skills Are Important
Poor communication can derail projects, create misunderstandings and even harm relationships. Imagine a scenario where you, as a manager, give unclear instructions to your team members.
If your communication is not clear, it may lead to missed deadlines or errors. On the other hand, if you are an effective communicator your team will fully understand their tasks. You will check for understanding and welcome questions.
In your personal life, strong communication skills can resolve conflicts and strengthen bonds. If you are a good listener, you can make a family member feel valued. When you express yourself clearly, you can prevent misunderstandings in relationships. No matter the form of communication: whether written, verbal, or visual, you should pay close attention to how your message is received. That’s why you should improve communication skills.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Communications
Great communicators often demonstrate emotional intelligence. That means they can recognise, understand and manage emotions, both their own and those of others.
Goodemotional intelligence helps build trust, resolve conflicts and find common ground during discussions. For example, if you are an excellent communicator, in a team meeting you may pick up on non-verbal cues, like a colleague’s hesitant body language. Then you can invite them to share their point of view. This kind of interpersonal skill fosters collaboration and makes sure no one feels left out.
The best way to develop emotional intelligence is to approach conversations with an open mind and pay close attention to what others are saying. If you are an active listener, acknowledging emotions and responding thoughtfully, you can transform workplace dynamics.
For example, in professional life, this might mean validating a colleague’s frustration before offering solutions.
Improving Communication Skills for Better Business
A great way to stand out in the workplace is to improve your communication skills. Employers value team members with strong interpersonal skills because they contribute to better teamwork and collaboration.
As a great communicator, you don’t just rely on words; you understand the power of all forms of communication, from non-verbal cues to visual tools. When you combine emotional intelligence, strong presentation skills and an adaptable communication style, you can become the type of communicator who inspires trust and delivers results.
Here’s how you can improve essential communication skills for the workplace.
Best Ways to Improve Communication Skills – 10 Steps
How to Improve Your Communication Skills in Business
Our experts have outlined below some of their top advice for the qualities of a good communicator in a corporate setting.
1. Master Active Listening
In business, effective communication isn’t just about talking. Great communication means truly understanding others. Active listening shows respect, builds trust and helps you gather crucial information.
How to Build Active Listening Skills:
Give your full attention to the speaker. Avoid multitasking or checking your phone.
Listen without interrupting, even if you disagree.
Paraphrase what you’ve heard to confirm understanding, e.g., “So you’re saying the delay is due to supplier issues?”
Example of Active Listening Skills in Business: In a team meeting, instead of rushing to defend your position when someone critiques your idea, pause, listen and respond with: “I hear your concern about the budget. Shall we explore ways to address that while keeping the project on track?”
2. Simplify Your Language
Your business communication should be both clear and concise. If your message is complicated it will confuse your audience, leading to mistakes and delays.
How to Build Simplicity in Your Communication Skills
Replace jargon with straightforward language
Break complex ideas into simple steps
Structure your message with a beginning, middle and end, concentrating on your key points
Example of using Simple Language in Business: Instead of saying, “Our operational synergies will drive cross-functional alignment,” say, “We’ll work with with other teams to finish the project on time.” Easy-to-understand communication saves time and reduces misunderstandings.
3. Communicate with Confidence
Confidence in your communication builds trust and credibility. Whether you’re presenting to colleagues or negotiating a deal, a confident tone makes sure your message is taken seriously. You should learn how to present confidently.
How to Develop Confident Communication Skills
Prepare thoroughly before meetings or presentations. Confidence comes from knowing your material
Avoid filler words like “um,” “you know,” or “I guess.”
Stand or sit with good posture and maintain steady eye contact
Example of Confident Communication in Business: When pitching to a client, instead of hesitating with, “We could maybe increase your sales,” say: “We are confident this strategy will help boost your sales by 15% this quarter.”
Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates To Improve Communication Skills
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years. Our coaching is fast and effective. We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups. Call us today to learn more.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
When you improve communication skills, you adapt your approach based on who you’re speaking to, so that your message resonates.
The skills of a good communicator include understanding that no single type of communication works for every situation. As a great leaders, you’ll learn how to adapt your communication style, whether you’re delivering a presentation, negotiating during a job interview, or writing for social media.
For example, visual communication like graphs or charts might be the best way for you to explain performance metrics to senior executives. But the spoken word and storytelling might be more effective when you want to inspire a team.
How to Build Tailored Message Skills
Know your audience. Are they technical experts, senior leaders, or new hires? Adjust your language accordingly.
Talk about what matters most to your listener. Highlight the benefits for them.
Be aware of cultural differences if working with international teams.
Example of Tailored Messages in Business When presenting to a CEO, talk about high-level outcomes: “This project will increase revenue by £500,000 next year.” But when speaking to your team, explain the specifics: “We’ll achieve this by launching the new product in March and increasing ad spend by 20%.”
5. Strengthen Non-Verbal Communication
In business, how you say something can matter more than what you say. Your body language, facial expressions and tone of voice can support or undermine your message.
Non-verbal communication also plays a big role in adaptability. Your non-verbal cues should align with your message. For example, maintaining eye contact and using open gestures during a presentation shows confidence. A relaxed posture can help build rapport during casual conversations.
How to Build Better Non-Verbal Communication Skills:
Maintain open and approachable body language. Stand straight, avoid crossing your arms and smile where appropriate.
Use gestures to emphasise key points
Record yourself speaking to identify and improve any distracting habits
Example of Non-Verbal Communication in Business: During a negotiation, slouching or avoiding eye contact may signal insecurity. Instead, sit upright, make steady eye contact and use a calm, confident tone to reinforce your message.
6. Build Empathy
Empathy is a vital skill in business communication. Understanding others’ emotions and perspectives helps you connect, whether with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.
How to Build Empathy in Communication
Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice or body language
Acknowledge emotions before addressing the issue
Practise active listening to understand what matters to the other person.
Example of Empathy in Communication in Business: When a team member expresses frustration about a heavy workload, respond with empathy: “I can see you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s prioritise your tasks and see if we can delegate some of them.”
7. Learn to Handle Difficult Conversations
Whether you are giving constructive feedback, addressing a mistake, or managing a conflict, tough conversations are part of business life. When you are a good communicator, you approach these situations calmly and professionally.
How to Build Difficult Communication Skills
Prepare in advance by identifying the key points you need to address.
Stay calm and focus on facts, not emotions.
Talk about the problem, not the person. Not “you delivered it late” but “the report was late”
Use “I” statements to avoid blame, e.g., “I noticed the report was late and it impacted the timeline. Can we discuss how to prevent this next time?”
Example of Difficult Communications in Business: When telling a client that a project is delayed, your should be be transparent and solution-orientated: “The project has been delayed by two weeks due to supply chain issues, but we’re working with new vendors to get back on track.”
8. Seek Feedback and Learn Continuously
Even experienced communicators can improve. If you ask for feedback, you can identify areas to strengthen and work on to continually get better.
How to Build These Good Communication Skills
After meetings, presentations, or written communications, ask for honest feedback
Actively apply the feedback to improve your skills
Observe and learn from colleagues or leaders who communicate effectively.
Example of Good Communication Skills in Business: After leading a presentation, ask a trusted colleague: “Did my key points come across clearly? Was there anything I could have done differently?”
9. Practise Consistently
Communication skills are like muscles—you need to use them regularly to strengthen them.
How to Build Skills of a Good Communicator
Join groups like Toastmasters to practise public speaking in a supportive environment
Role-play important conversations, such as salary negotiations or client pitches, with a mentor or peer
Review your performance after meetings or presentations and identify areas for improvement
Example in Business: Rehearse a sales pitch in front of a colleague and work on creating a collaborative atmosphere. Ask for feedback, refine your approach and practise again. Keep at it until it can’t be improved.
10. Write Better for Business
When you have strong written communication, these are equally important as strong verbal skills. In business, emails, proposals and reports must be clear, concise and professional.
How to Build Strong Written Communication Skills
Use short sentences and bullet points to make your writing easy to scan
Start with the key message and include necessary details below
Example of Good Written Communication in Business Instead of writing a lengthy, unclear email, say: “Hi team, The project deadline has moved to 15 December. Please make sure all deliverables are completed by 10 December for review. Let me know if you have questions.”
Why Improving Your Communication Skills Matters in Business
If you are a good communicator you will build trust, boost productivity and enhance your career prospects. In leadership, you will motivate your teams. In sales, you will drive revenue. And in problem-solving, you will create solutions.
Start improving your communication skills today. Focus on one area. Whether it’s listening, simplifying your language, or improving your non-verbal cues. Practise consistently. Small changes can lead to big results in how you connect, influence and succeed in the workplace.
Improve Communication Skills with Expert Coaching
Call Louise Angus, our client services director today on +44 20 7018 0922 to discuss how we can help build good communicators in your business with expert communication coaching.
Why Choose Us: Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching
We can help you present brilliantly.Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky
For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.
Some recent clients
Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.
Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.
FAQ: How to Improve Your Communicator Skills in Business
1. Why does good communication matter in business?
You need to get your ideas across clearly, build strong relationships and avoid misunderstandings. Whether you’re emailing a client, leading a meeting, or negotiating a deal, your ability to communicate well will directly impact your success.
2. How can you improve your verbal communication?
Keep things concise. People don’t have time for long-winded explanations. If you’re in a meeting, make eye contact and listen actively to show you’re interested.
3. What are common mistakes you should avoid?
You might speak too much without listening, assume others understand you without checking, or use jargon that confuses people. Interrupting or failing to acknowledge others’ points can also weaken your communication.
4. How do you make your emails clearer and more effective?
You should keep your emails short, use bullet points for key details and always include a clear subject line. Get to the point quickly. Avoid vague language—say exactly what you need and what action (if any) the reader should take. Proofread before sending to catch errors that could make you look careless.
5. How can you handle difficult conversations better?
You need to stay calm, listen carefully and choose your words wisely. Ask more questions. Find what’s behind the words. Aim to find a solution rather than placing blame. If emotions run high, take a moment before responding to avoid saying something you might regret.
6. What role does body language play in communication?
Your body language says a lot about you. If you cross your arms or avoid eye contact, you might seem defensive or disinterested. To appear confident and approachable, keep an open posture, make eye contact and use gestures naturally. Most importantly, your body language should match your words.
7. How do you make meetings more productive?
Prepare in advance, keep discussions on track and encourage participation. If you’re leading the meeting, set clear objectives and stick to the agenda. Have shorter meetings. If you’re attending, contribute when needed but avoid talking just for the sake of it.
8. How can you be a better listener?
Give people your full attention, avoid interrupting and ask follow-up questions to show you understand. Repeating back key points can also help confirm you’re on the same page. Ask ‘anything else?’
9. How do you communicate confidently?
You need to believe in what you’re saying. Speak with a steady voice, avoid filler words like “um” or “you know,” and stand or sit up straight. Rehearse to build this skill. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll sound.
10. What’s the best way to handle feedback?
You should accept feedback with an open mind, even if it’s not what you want to hear. If you’re giving feedback, be specific and constructive. Instead of saying, “This isn’t good,” explain what needs to improve and how.
Good communication is a skill you can develop with practice. Learn how to improve communication skills. If you stay clear, concise and considerate, you’ll get your message across effectively and build better business relationships.
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Even during long Zoom sessions, Paul manages to keep the energy high and the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. His collaborative and engaging approach makes the training not only productive but genuinely enjoyable."
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We enjoy working with Benjamin Ball Associates to support our clients with coaching. We trust them to take the messages that we develop and assist our clients in communicating powerfully.
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