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"Communication" is one of those words we hear everywhere these days.
Whether it's advice in a magazine about talking things through with your partner or a business coach emphasizing the role of clear communication at work, it seems to pop up constantly.
And honestly? There’s a good reason for that. Communication plays a huge role in making both our personal and professional lives run more smoothly.
But just hearing about communication doesn’t magically make us experts at it—especially if it’s something you already find a bit tricky. Not everyone is naturally great at expressing themselves, and that’s totally okay.
If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, or you're looking to sharpen your own communication skills, you're in the right place.
In this article, we’re going to explore the three core types of communication skills, give you real-life examples, and share practical tips you can start using right away.
Here’s how we’ll break it down:
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The three main types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, and written
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General strategies to boost your communication overall
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A deep dive into each type with tips and guidance for improving them individually
Let’s get into it.
Communication is one of the most essential interpersonal skills—it’s all about how we connect, interact, and build relationships with others.
The forms of communication are: verbal, non-verbal, and written. Each plays a key role in how effectively we get our message across.
Verbal Communication
This is the type most people think of first—talking. Whether you’re speaking face-to-face, on a video call, or over the phone, verbal communication goes beyond just choosing the right words. Tone of voice, pacing, and even the timing of what you say all contribute to how your message is received.
Non-Verbal Communication
Also known as body language, non-verbal communication includes everything from your facial expressions and eye contact to your posture and gestures. People pick up on these visual cues more than you might think. For example, if your body is turned away or you’re avoiding eye contact, you might unintentionally be signaling disinterest—even if the conversation matters to you.
Written Communication
In today’s world, written communication shows up everywhere—from emails and work chats to personal texts and social media messages. Whether you’re replying to a client, messaging your team on Slack, or texting a friend, strong written communication skills are crucial—especially if you're working remotely and can't rely on tone or body language to help clarify your intent.
Improving All Three Types of Communication Skills
Whether you’re aiming to become a better communicator at work or in your personal life, the foundation is the same: it all comes down to how you approach your interactions—with intention, awareness, and strategy.
Here are some powerful, practical tips to help strengthen your communication skills across the board:
1. Practice Active Listening
Being a good listener is one thing—but being an active listener is where the real magic happens.
Active listening means being fully present in the conversation, engaging with the speaker, and making a conscious effort to understand their message—not just hearing the words.
Here are some key elements of active listening you can start practicing:
Give your full attention to the speaker—put down your phone or close your laptop.
Use probing questions to dig deeper and show genuine interest.
Request clarification if something is unclear—don’t be afraid to ask.
Paraphrase and reflect back what you heard to confirm understanding.
Tune into emotional cues, both yours and theirs, to ensure the conversation is empathetic and respectful.
Summarize the key points at the end to ensure everyone is aligned on what was discussed and what comes next.
Strong communication doesn’t happen by accident—it’s something you can build, refine, and master with consistent effort. And once you do, it’ll make a noticeable difference in how you connect with others in every part of your life.
2. Share Your Thoughts and Ideas Clearly
Just as it’s important to understand others, it’s equally important to speak up about your own needs and perspectives. No one can read your mind—if something matters to you, it’s up to you to communicate it.
This becomes even more crucial in leadership roles. As a leader, how you communicate sets the tone for your entire team. By being open, honest, and direct, you create a culture where others feel safe to do the same.
That kind of transparency encourages collaboration, flexibility, and confidence—especially when navigating tough conversations or making important decisions as a group.
3. Avoid Making Assumptions
It’s surprisingly easy to fall into the trap of assuming we know what someone else is thinking or feeling. But those assumptions are one of the biggest causes of miscommunication—and when left unchecked, they can lead to unnecessary conflict.
That’s why empathy and active listening are so powerful.
Sometimes, people struggle to express what they truly need—especially in emotionally charged or complex situations. They might mask their feelings, downplay what they want, or avoid the issue altogether.
By asking thoughtful questions, genuinely listening to the answers, and reflecting back what you hear, you can help uncover the real message beneath the surface. This not only prevents misunderstandings but also builds trust and shows the other person you truly care about getting it right.
4. Practice Self-Awareness—Especially in Difficult Conversations
One of the hallmarks of strong communicators is emotional intelligence. They understand their own feelings and know how to manage them—whether they’re frustrated, excited, or caught off guard. They don’t let emotions hijack the conversation or stir up unnecessary drama.
Staying calm and grounded during tense moments is essential. If you feel your heart racing or your face heating up, take a pause. Step away, breathe, and regroup before continuing the conversation.
Another important part of self-awareness is being willing to admit when you’re wrong. It might feel like a hit to your ego, but being able to own up to mistakes—and show a commitment to doing better—builds credibility, trust, and respect in both personal and professional relationships.
5. Raise Issues Without Being Accusatory
Even if you’re certain someone made a mistake, starting the conversation with blame or accusations can trigger defensiveness—and from there, it's hard to have a productive dialogue.
Avoid using exaggerated language like “you always” or “you never.” Instead, focus on facts and express your observations with empathy. Reframe the conversation around problem-solving rather than pointing fingers.
For instance, rather than saying “You’re always late to meetings,” we can say:
“I noticed you were late twice this week. Is everything okay?”
This approach opens the door to understanding and collaboration, rather than shutting it with criticism.
How to Improve Communication Skills: Verbal
✅ Be Clear and Concise
We’ve all experienced that moment when a conversation drags on and on. Focus on what matters most, and avoid rambling.
✅ Embrace Silence
Silence can feel awkward, but it doesn’t always need to be filled. Don’t feel pressured to talk just to avoid a pause—sometimes, a quiet moment helps the conversation breathe.
✅ Use “Bridge” Phrases to Transition
When you need to change the subject, do it smoothly. Use transition phrases like:
“That’s a great point. What I also wanted to mention is…”
“Here’s what I’m thinking…”
“I agree with you, and I’d add…”
✅ Minimize Filler Words
Words like “um,” “uh,” and “like” can slip in without you realizing. Try recording yourself speaking and listen for filler habits. Speak a little slower to give yourself space to think clearly.
✅ Plan (When You Can)
While many conversations are spontaneous, when you do have the chance—like before a presentation or a difficult conversation—take even 30 seconds to gather your thoughts and outline key points. It makes a big difference.
How to Improve Communication Skills: Non-Verbal
✅ Make Eye Contact
It’s the simplest and most powerful way to show someone you’re listening. Maintain steady, natural eye contact—enough to show you care, but not so intense that it gets awkward.
✅ Avoid Distracting Habits
Restless fidgeting, tapping a pen, or constantly adjusting your seat can be distracting.
✅ Maintain Good Posture
Your body says a lot. Sitting upright communicates attentiveness and confidence.
✅ Don’t Cross Your Arms
Keep your body open to signal that you’re engaged in the conversation.
✅ Watch for Cues from Others
Pay attention to others’ non-verbal signals too. If someone seems restless or distracted, it might be a cue to wrap things up—or to ask if something’s bothering them.
How to Improve Communication Skills: Written
✅ Never Respond in the Heat of the Moment
Emotions can cloud judgment. Even a short break can help you respond more thoughtfully and avoid saying something you’ll regret.
✅ Use Clear, Descriptive Subject Lines
Skip vague titles like “Meeting” or “Quick Question.” Instead, be specific: “Request to Reschedule 2pm Meeting to 3pm.” This helps people understand the message at a glance.
✅ Write in Active Voice
Active voice makes writing clearer and more direct. For example:
Instead of: “The document was submitted.”
Say: “I submitted the document.”
✅ Keep Your Language Simple
Avoid long-winded sentences and jargon. Aim for short, clear sentences—ideally no longer than two lines. This makes your message easier to read and more likely to be understood.
✅ Be Brief, but Thorough
Just like in spoken communication, clarity matters. Say what needs to be said, but cut unnecessary fluff. People appreciate when you get to the point without wasting their time.
How Good Are Your Communication Skills?
As you’ve read through these tips, did anything jump out as a skill you’d like to strengthen? Maybe you also spotted a few things you’re already doing well—celebrate those wins too.
No matter how naturally gifted you are, communication is a lifelong skill. As your relationships and roles evolve, so will the way you connect with others.
Start with self-awareness—how are you currently showing up in conversations? Then shift your focus outward: are you truly hearing and understanding others?
And if you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. A mentor, coach, or even a short workshop can make a big difference.
