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

by Alan Barker

Better communication skills will have a direct impact on your career development. Improve Your Communication Skills is your practical guide to effective communication in business.

This fully updated 7th edition now features a handy self-assessment tool to help you profile your own preferred communication style, even more practical exercises, useful checklists and top tips, as well as content on influencing others and managing difficult conversations. This book provides vital guidance on improving your conversations, building rapport, giving effective presentations, writing excellent reports and networking successfully. With the help of Improve Your Communication Skills , you will be able to get your message across - every time.

The Creating Success series of books...
Unlock vital skills, power up your performance and get ahead with the bestselling Creating Success series. Written by experts for new and aspiring managers and leaders, this million-selling collection of accessible and empowering guides will get you up to speed in no time. Packed with clever thinking, smart advice and the kind of winning techniques that really get results, you'll make fast progress, quickly reach your goals and create lasting success 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.

[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.