How to Improve Your Communication Skills: How to Build Trust, Be Heard and Communicate With Confidence

by Alan Barker

Strong communication is one of the most important skills in the workplace - and one of the easiest to get wrong. Learn how to express yourself clearly, confidently and with impact.

Whether you're giving a presentation, writing a report or managing a difficult conversation, this fully updated edition gives you the tools to build rapport, influence others and get your message across effectively. It includes a self-assessment tool to help you identify your communication style, plus practical exercises, checklists and top tips to use straight away.

With Improve Your Communication Skills , you'll feel more confident in meetings, more persuasive in your writing and better equipped to succeed in your career.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2025

Reviews

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kogan Page for this eCopy to review

From the moment I picked up How to Improve Your Communication Skills, I knew it would be a valuable resource. Alan Barker delivers a practical, insightful guide to mastering communication in both professional and personal settings.

The book covers essential topics such as building rapport, handling difficult conversations, giving effective presentations, and writing with clarity. Barker provides self-assessment tools, exercises, and checklists to help you refine your communication style and develop confidence. His approach is clear, engaging, and packed with actionable advice.

How to Improve Your Communication Skills is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their ability to connect, persuade, and express themselves effectively. Whether you're navigating workplace interactions or simply aiming to improve everyday conversations, this book offers invaluable strategies.

[Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh edition of Alan’s book so it is obviously highly rated. I worked with Alan many years ago so I am well aware of his passion for communication skills. This edition brings things up to date after the pandemic. Communication has changed so the skills also need to adapt. For a new manager or an experienced one, this is a great reminder of the core skills needed to communicate well. I would have liked to have seen examples of ‘mind maps and rich pictures’ particularly as they are introduced as ‘visual’ methods of developing ideas. Great book, easy to read and not lengthy.

[Sym · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive, clear and easy-to-digest guide on improving communication skills. It gives examples on how to approach specific work related tasks e.g. meetings, presentations to ensure you communicate effectively. I enjoyed finding about my communication style, not only was it informative but it helped me put my overall skills into perspective. The chapter on narrative building was insightful and I will certainly be referring to this book over and over again. Highly recommended.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Highly recommended for any professional from early career to seasoned operator. So many valuables tips and advice points in this book. Also applicable to personal communication style. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.