How to Improve Business Communication Skills: 10 Best Ways to Communicate Confidently at Work

Updated 8 November 2025

What are the skills of a good communicator?  How do you improve business communication skills? 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. 

How to Improve Business Communication Skills

If you want to improve business communication skills, you’re not alone. Clear, confident communication is what sets effective leaders apart.

In business, how you speak, listen and write shapes how others see you. This guide shares the best ways to strengthen your business communication skills so you can express ideas clearly, build trust and get better results at work.

Why Strong Communication Skills Matter

Poor communication can cause all sorts of problems: confusion, conflict, and missed opportunities. A phone call without specific details or an email communication missing the necessary information can derail even a great idea.

Picture this: during a team meeting, you give vague instructions. Team members walk away uncertain, deadlines slip and frustration builds.

Now imagine you take a moment to clarify, invite open questions and summarise the main points. Suddenly, everyone knows what to do and feels part of the plan. That’s the power of effective business communication.

These same principles apply beyond the office. In professional life, clear communication helps you build better relationships, resolve conflict and work towards common goals.

Whether it’s a quick phone call, a chat over coffee, or a video conference across time zones, being clear and respectful makes all the difference.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Communication

Effective communicators do more than share information, they tune into emotions. Emotional intelligence means recognising how people feel and responding appropriately.

In a face to face meeting, that could mean spotting a colleague’s hesitation through facial expressions or non-verbal cues. In remote work or video conferencing, it might mean picking up on tone or pauses and checking in.

Building emotional intelligence takes practice. Keep an open mind, notice tone of voice and body language, and give positive reinforcement when someone contributes.

When you respond with empathy, you create an environment where honest communication can thrive.

How to Improve Business Communication

If you’re wondering, “How do I improve my corporate communication skills?”, the best practices are straightforward: Improving your communication style means increasing awareness of others, being consistent and giving good feedback.

Here are ten practical steps to help you improve business communication skills and become a better communicator.

1. Master Active Listening

Listening is one of the critical skills for effective communication. When you’re an active listener, you give full attention to others and respond thoughtfully.

How to build active listening skills:

• Stay present — no multitasking or checking messages
• Listen without interrupting
• Reflect back what you’ve heard: “So you’re saying the deadline changed because of the new policy?”
• Ask open questions to clarify
• Take a deep breath before responding

Example:
During a group meeting, if a teammate raises a concern, avoid jumping in with a quick answer. Try: “I hear your point about the budget. Let’s explore solutions together.”

2. Simplify Your Language

Complex language often hides weak thinking. Effective communication skills mean saying what you mean clearly, without unnecessary words.

How to simplify your communication:

• Replace jargon with plain language
• Structure your ideas around key points
• Keep sentences short and direct

Example:
BEFORE: “We’ll leverage cross-functional synergies,”

AFTER:  “We’ll work with other teams to deliver faster.”

If you wouldn’t say it to your friends, don’t say it in business.  Leaders always use the simplest language possible.

3. Look and Sound Confident

Confidence helps your message land. Whether in face-to-face communication, video conferencing, or group meetings, people listen to confident speakers.

How to show confidence:

• Prepare well — know your material and your main points
• Use positive body language and good posture
• Keep steady eye contact
• Speak clearly and with many pauses

Example:
BEFORE:  “We could maybe help increase sales,”

AFTER: “This strategy will increase sales by 15% this quarter.”

Why Choose Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Communication Coaching

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years.  Our award-winning coaching is fast and effective.  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.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

Our most popular training courses include:

• Presentation Coaching
• Public Speaking Coaching
• Communication Skills Coaching

Trusted by some of the most successful companies globally

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

4. Tailor Your Message to the Audience

Different audiences need different approaches. A great communicator adapts their communication style to specific needs.

How to do this well:

• Understand who you’re talking to — executives, clients, or new team members
• Adjust your tone for different audiences
• Choose the right communication channel — email, phone, presentation or video

Example:
With senior leaders, talk about outcomes: “This will boost revenue by £500,000.”
With your team, include specific details: “We’ll launch in March and expand marketing by 20%.”

5. Strengthen Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication can be more powerful than words. Facial expressions, gestures and posture all send messages, sometimes stronger than speech.

How to improve your non-verbal cues:

• Use positive body language
• Match your tone to your message
• Be aware of how your actions look on video conference
• Observe others’ non-verbal cues for hidden reactions

Example:
In a business situation, folding your arms might seem defensive. A relaxed, open stance shows confidence and approachability.

6. Build Empathy

Empathy is one of the most powerful tools for effective leaders. It helps you see things from others’ perspectives and find common goals.

How to build empathy:

• Notice both verbal and non-verbal cues
• Recognise feelings before solving problems
• Respond with understanding and care

Example:
A colleague says they’re struggling with workload. Try: “It sounds like you’re under pressure. Let’s see how we can balance it out.”

7. Handle Difficult Conversations Calmly

Difficult discussions are part of professional success. Effective communicators handle them with honesty and respect.

How to prepare:

• Plan your key points
• Keep the tone calm and constructive
• Use factual language, not emotion
• Create a safe environment for the other person to respond

Example:
If you must share bad news, say: “The project has been delayed by two weeks due to supplier issues. Here’s how we’ll fix it.”

8. Seek Feedback and Keep Learning

Even experienced professionals can improve. Feedback helps refine your interpersonal skills and spot blind spots.

How to learn continuously:

• Ask colleagues for honest opinions
• Observe how others use different communication tools
• Apply feedback and notice the results in real time

Example:
After a video conference, ask: “Did my main points come across clearly? Anything I could adjust for next time?”

9. Practise Regularly

Communication gets better with use. Regular practice turns skills into habits.

How to practise:

• Join speaking groups like Toastmasters
• Rehearse presentations aloud
• Review how you handle different types of communication — calls, emails, or meetings
• Work with a communication coach

Example:
After each team meeting, take notes on what worked and what didn’t. Small tweaks each week make a big difference.

10. Write Better for Business

Email communication and reports are central to professional life. Good writing gets to the point and leaves no room for confusion.

How to write effectively:

• Lead with your main message
• Use messages in your sub-headings for clarity
• Cut unnecessary words
• Always check grammar and tone before sending

Example:

BEFORE: title” Project X

Hi Team, as we all know we have been reconsidering the options for Project X and looking at ways to…

AFTER: Project X: Deadline Now 3 weeks earlier

“Hi team,
The deadline has moved to 15 December. Please finish all deliverables by 10 December for review. Let me know if you have questions.”

Look at report writing training for expert advice on improving your writing skills.

Why Improving Communication Skills Transforms Your Career

When you improve business communication skills, you build confidence, influence and credibility.

You connect better with colleagues, lead with empathy, and work more effectively across different forms of communication: from face-to-face communication to presentations, conversations and video conferencing.

Start small. Choose one area, listening, clarity or empathy, and work on it daily. Over time, these habits make you a better communicator, ready for any business situation.

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 communication skills in your business with expert communication coaching.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

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.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

FAQ: How to Improve Your Business Communication Skills

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.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

Read The Ultimate Guide to Leadership Communications