But communicating isn’t just about talking or typing. Good communication skills also involve listening, understanding, and expressing yourself clearly.
On this page, we’ll explore what good communication skills are, the different types, and how coaching can help you improve how you connect with others.
What are communication skills?
Many people think communication is simply talking, but there’s much more to it. Communication skills involve how we share, receive, and understand information. Communicating clearly also includes non-verbal cues, such as body language and gestures, as well as written communication.
In fact, one of the foundations of connecting well with others is active listening. In active listening, you convey through both words and non-verbal behaviours that you are interested in what the other person is saying, understand what they are explaining, and ‘get’ how they feel.
Why are good communication skills important?
Good communication helps us express our thoughts and feelings clearly while understanding the emotions behind someone else’s words. Without these skills, misunderstandings and conflict become more likely.
Strong communication skills can help you:
- improve relationships
- develop greater intimacy
- get less caught up in rumination
- resolve misunderstandings
- reduce conflict
- clearly discuss needs and expectations.
Fortunately, effective communication skills are something that anyone can learn and develop with time, experience, and practice.
Types of communication skills
Good communication skills are often grouped into four main types: Verbal, non-verbal, listening, and written. Here are some communication skills examples:
Verbal communication skills
This involves using spoken words to share information, whether in conversations, on the phone, or during presentations.
Important elements of verbal communication include speaking clearly and concisely as well as being aware of the volume and tone of your voice.
For example, you may use verbal skills when:
- having one-on-one or group conversations
- giving feedback
- asking for help.
Non-verbal communication
This is the unspoken signals you send through your body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and posture when communicating with someone. These cues add context and emotions to conversations, sometimes saying more than words.
Non-verbal skills may look like:
- smiling to show warmth;
- having open body language, like leaning forward and not crossing your arms to show you are invested in the conversation;
- keeping eye contact to show you are paying attention.
Active listening skills
Active listening means paying close attention to understanding someone’s message, emotions, and intent, rather than simply hearing their words.
Examples of active listening skills may include:
- minimising distractions by putting away your phone;
- asking open-ended questions to help you understand, such as, “Can you tell me a bit more about that?”;
- giving the other person time to talk rather than interrupting or rushing them.
Written communication skills
These skills involve sharing information through writing, using clear structure, tone, and language. For instance, written communication includes:
- emails
- text messages
- social media posts
- letters.
Together, good communication skills help us understand others, express ourselves clearly, and build respectful relationships. They’re also often referred to as ‘soft skills' communication.
What can affect communication?
Everyone communicates differently. Personality, culture, past experiences, and emotions can all shape how we communicate and interpret other people’s messages.
Many factors may influence how effectively we connect with other people, including whether we are:
- feeling confident and prepared
- distracted
- feeling calm, happy, angry, or stressed
- talking in a private or public place.
Once we understand what might be affecting our ability to clearly share information or understand others, it’s possible to work on improving how we communicate.
How to improve communication skills
For many people, communicating with others is an essential part of everyday life, whether in person or online. This is why it’s so important to have strong communication skills.
If you feel like there’s room for improving how you communicate, here are some suggestions for ways to start connecting with other people more effectively:
- Check in with yourself: Before an important conversation, notice how you’re feeling and take a moment to calm yourself if needed.
- Choose a good time: Choose a time when neither of you feels rushed.
- Put away distractions: Minimise distractions by putting your phone away and giving the other person your full attention.
- Prepare in advance: Think about your main points beforehand so you can communicate them clearly.
- Listen with curiosity: Listen to understand, not simply to reply. Pay attention to both the person’s words and body language.
- Ask thoughtful questions: Ask open questions if something isn’t clear.
- Show you’re interested: Use appropriate eye contact, body language, or facial expressions to show you’re engaged.
- Stay respectful: Even during difficult conversations, aim to stay respectful. If emotions are running high, it’s OK to ask to pause and return to the discussion when you both feel calmer.
Remember, good communication skills continue developing throughout life. So while these tips might feel like a lot right now, they can improve with practice.
How communication coaching can help
Whether you want to communicate more confidently at work or strengthen your personal relationships, coaching can help.
Communication coaching supports you in becoming a better communicator. Rather than giving you scripts, a coach helps you develop communication skills that feel natural to you. A communication skills coach may help you:
- identify strengths and weaknesses
- become more aware of communication patterns
- increase confidence
- overcome communication barriers
- improve assertiveness
- prepare for difficult conversations
- enhance listening skills
- practise new approaches.
Together, you can develop practical strategies that suit your communication style and goals.
Frequently asked questions
It’s natural to have questions about what makes up good communication skills. To help, below you’ll find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
What is the most powerful type of communication?
Non-verbal communication is generally considered the most powerful type of communication. This is because elements such as body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice typically carry the real meaning and emotional impact of the message someone wants to convey.
Can communication skills be learned?
Yes, they can. Communication skills often improve with practice and support.
How can a communication coach help me?
A communication coach can help you build confidence, prepare for difficult conversations, and strengthen your listening and communication skills.
Become a more confident communicator
Communicating well isn’t about always saying the perfect thing. It’s about expressing yourself clearly, listening with curiosity, and building stronger connections over time. Like any skill, it develops through reflection and practice.
If you'd like extra support, working with a communication coach may help you build confidence in conversations that matter most.
