How to Improve Communication Skills: Techniques to Try in 2026

Ever leave a conversation feeling like you said everything wrongor realize hours later what you should have said?

If you want to know how to improve communication skillswork on four things: building confidenceunderstanding non-verbal cuespracticing active listeningand developing emotional intelligence. These matter in personal relationshipsjob interviewsteam meetingsand regular conversations.

70% of employers say communication skills are the most important trait in new hires. Not polished presentations or perfect emails — making yourself clear when you talkreading what people aren't sayinglistening instead of planning your response.

This guide uses techniques from books like 'How to Talk to Anyone' and 'Cues.' Whether you're prepping for a job interviewleading peopleor want better conversationsthese work. Great communicators aren't born that way — they learn specific methods.

Communication skills need practice and repetitionand you can do that with Headway: The app offers 15-minute book summaries on conversation strategiesbody languageand emotional intelligencewith spaced-repetition options. 

📘 Download Headway and learn how to be clear when you speak and better at listening!

Quick answer: How to improve communication skills

• Practice in front of a mirror twice a week. Maintain eye contact with yourself while talking. Work on standing straight and smiling. When you're with peopletry subtly mirroring their body language — it makes conversations feel more natural.

• Stop using filler words. Replace "um," "like," and "you know" with pauses. Watch your facial expressionsgesturesand tone — 65% of communication happens through body languagenot words.

• Actually listen. Focus on what the person is saying instead of thinking about your next sentence. Repeat back what you heard to confirm you understood. Ask questions that dig deeper into what they're talking about.

Step 1: Build confidence with a daily communication practice 

Did you know that 86 % of workplace failures stem from communication issues? Poor communication can be a decisive factor in job dismissals or rejections.

Effective communication relies on the topics discussedour motivations for discussing themhow we interactand how we express our attitudes toward one another.

But one thing is for sure: clearconfident communication contributes to a more productivepositive personal and work environment. Besidescompanies like Microsoft emphasize communication as a core soft skill in leadership training and team development programs.

Many people wrestle with low self-esteem as a psychological barrier. Contrary to popular beliefconfidence isn't innate — it's often built over years of dedicated workopen-minded thinkingand beneficial habits. Building self-confidence requires desirepersistencesystematic effortandmost importantlyaction.

"Just give 'em great posturea heads-up looka confident smileand a direct gaze - that's the ideal image for somebody who's a somebody." ― Leil Lowndes'How to Talk to Anyone'

There's a powerful technique for tracking achievements and identifying your personal success strategy to become more confident. By recording and analyzing your communication successes and failuresyou gain valuable experience that helps you confidently convey thoughts and arguments in future interactions.

Start by practicing eye contact alone or with people you're comfortable with. Go to the mirror and start a conversation with yourselfmaintaining eye contact with your reflection. Don't do it mindlessly; immerse yourself in the process. Practicing this technique twice weekly is a great start to achieving results.

Mirroring someone creates a sense of mutual understandingmaking the other person more comfortable around you. It's a nonverbal way of saying"I'm like youand I understand you." It can also build stronger connections while making you feel more confident and attractive.

"When you act as though you like someoneyou start to really like them."― Leil Lowndes, 'How to Talk to Anyone'

Above allbelieve in yourself. After allthe most effective way to appear confident is to genuinely believe in your own worth. Body language methods won't work without believing in your values and abilities. When you truly value yourselfconfidence radiates naturally and shows in your body language — you stand straighter and speak more assertively. Rememberconfidence starts from withinand when you believe in yourselfothers will too.

"When you try to be the same as everyone elseit's boring. When you try to fit into a moldyou become forgettable. When you try to be "normal," you become dull. Just be yourselfbecause no one is like you. If you're a little weirdown it. The right people will like you for it." – Vanessa Van Edwards'Captivate'

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Step 2: Improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills

Communication is essential in every aspect of daily life — from purchasing goods and services to negotiating with partners and sharing moments with friends. Poor communication skills can make life difficult for personal relationships and professional development. There are several types of communication you engage in daily: verbalnon-verbalwrittenand visual. Mastering each helps ensure your message lands effectively.

The key to better communication

To avoid miscommunicationsmake your point clearadd contextand then deliver your key ideas. Use simple spoken words and avoid idiomsphrasal verbsand slang — this will help you succeed.

When speakingbe mindful of filler words in English. These words or sounds are often used to fill awkward pauses when thinking about what to say next. 

"The overuse of filler words such as 'um,' 'uh,' 'you know,' and 'like' can weaken the delivery of your message and diminish your credibility. Becoming aware of these habits and consciously replacing them with pauses will help you speak with more authority and clarity." – Bento C. Leal III'4 Essential Keys to Effective Communication'

For examplefrequent use of "like" can make speech confusing and less clear. Without this wordsentences become more precise and easier for listeners to understand.

Nonverbal cues

In communication psychologyunderstanding and interpreting nonverbal signals and body language play an important role. Good communication skills and presentation skills help improve interpersonal communicationenhance perceptionand develop emotional intelligence.

"People form impressions of you in the first few seconds based on how you moveyour postureand your expressions." – Vanessa Van Edwards'Cues'

Remarkablyabout 65% of communication is nonverbal. Your body language — facial expressionsgesturesposturetone of voiceand movements — creates an immediate impression on others. Your body constantly sends signals that reveal your emotional statewhether you're feeling nervousuncomfortablefrightenedor in need of support.

"A charismatic tone can make you appear more confident and trustworthywhile a flat tone can turn off your listener." – Vanessa Van Edwards'Cues'

Pay close attention to your feelings when you communicate with someone. For exampleif you notice yourself avoiding eye contact during stressful situationsfocus on that next time and make eye contact.

"Your eyes are personal grenades that have the power to detonate people's emotions." – Leil Lowndes'How to Talk to Anyone'

Step 3: Practice active listening to deepen understanding

Listening and asking questions are fundamental skills for improving interpersonal communication. Strong listening skills help people understand and connect with othersmaking it easier to maintain a positive attitude and show interest and respect for others' thoughts and feelings. Strong communication is a two-way street. 

"Grow more by listening than talking." – Leil Lowndes'How to Talk to Anyone' 

Active listening involves more than just hearing words — it requires your physical presence in the conversationcareful attention to informationdetection of the other person's emotional stateand recognition of their nonverbal communication cues. It requires us to be focusedtolerantand open to other points of view. 

"Listening is really a very active act. It's not simply where you throw the words (active)." – Bento C. Leal III'4 Essential Keys to Effective Communication'

Your ability to ask meaningful questions helps to drive conversations and reveal the depth of the topic. To succeed in active listeningexpand your vocabulary for better paraphrasinglearn to clarify effectivelyask questionsidentify and summarize critical pointsexpress empathyand use encouraging phrases.

"Never be left speechless again. Like a parrotsimply repeat the last few words your conversation partner says. That puts the ball right back in his or her courtand then all you need to do is listen." – Leil Lowndes'How to Talk to Anyone' 

When practicing active listeningfocus on the speaker and show genuine interest through nonverbal cues and body language. Being observant helps you notice the other person's nonverbal cues to their feelings. After a meaningful conversationa well-timed follow-up — like a thank-you message or a summary email — shows that you value the interaction and strengthens the relationship.

You can express interest by asking thoughtful questions and showing curiosity about their perspective. When you acknowledge others' feelings and demonstrate understanding by seeing situations from their viewpointyou create a supportive environment that encourages open communication.

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Step 4: Build empathy and emotional intelligence

Communication is always about contact from both sides and understanding each other verbally and emotionally. That is why empathy should be developedas it's the ability to understand another person's feelings and express care for them.

Why emotional intelligence improves every interaction

Empathy fosters closenessestablishes trustand strengthens relationships. By developing your interpersonal skillsyou become better at recognizing others' emotional statesthoughtsand actions. Using empathy and compassion in your communications can help you connect more deeply with othersbuild stronger relationshipsand become more politetolerantand considerate of others' needs. Empathy is also critical for effective teamworkhelping you understand group dynamics and support them meaningfully.

"Next to physical survivalthe greatest need of a human being is psychological survival – to be understoodto be affirmedto be validatedto be appreciated. – Stephen Covey." — Vanessa Van Edwards'Captivate'

Emotional intelligence became recognized when it became evident that success in both work and personal life relies more on the ability to foster relationships with others than on hard skills. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understandrealizeand manage your own emotionsmotivationsthoughtsand behaviorswhile sharing informationexchanging thoughtsand responding to others' emotional states. At the same timeit helps you understand other people better and feel their needsmotivesand behaviors.

"Empathythe ability—a developed skillactually—to vicariously put yourself in another person's shoes and try to see from their point of viewtheir worldtheir perspective." – Bento C. Leal III'4 Essential Keys to Effective Communication'

Tap into your emotional superpower: Self-awareness

Self-awareness helps you understand your emotionscharacterand moods. It helps you view yourself from the outsideanticipate your feelingsdevelop intuitionand be emotionally flexible. To develop emotional competenceenrich your emotional vocabularypractice naming your feelingsread books on emotional intelligenceand explore the meanings of certain emotions.

"To effectively communicatewe must be aware not only of what we are saying but also of how we are feeling while we say it. Emotional self-awareness is key to managing our responses and connecting with others." – Leil Lowndes, 'How to Talk to Anyone'

A low level of emotional intelligence has a negative impact. Learning to identify and manage your emotions is essential to maintaining your quality of lifeovercoming obstacles effectivelyand achieving genuine happiness.

Track your feelings and emotions 

Keep a diary of your emotions and feelings to analyze your daily experiences and their triggers. Practice using "I feel..." statements and listen to how you feel in the moment. Learn to ask yourself"What do I feel now?" "What is my need now?" Try to reveal your feelings through your own thoughts. 

"Being aware of your own strengths and weaknessesand knowing when to hold back or assert yourselfmakes you far more approachable." – Leil Lowndes, 'How to Talk to Anyone'

📘 Get Headway and read book summaries on active listeningbody languageand emotional intelligence.

Speak with confidence in any situation: Advice

Scientists have found that people are more likely to believe a confident person without credentials than an experienced specialist who shows doubt. Research by Don Moore of Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania shows that we prefer to receive advice from someone we trust. And so much so that many are ready to forgive their bad reputation and previous miscalculations.

"Visualize yourself as a confident person; this mental picture will help you naturally radiate confidence." – Leil Lowndes, 'How to Talk to Anyone'

We feel anxiety because we imagine our complete failure. Thereforepush your fears aside and approach the person boldly. Make sure the person is free and not occupied with urgent matters. Engage the person you wish to speak to with a warm smile and friendly opener.

Seeking more knowledge? Check out these articles and find out how to:

• Speak like a Girlboss

• Speak like a CEO

Improve your communication skills with Headway!

The strategies shared in this article are just the beginning. To build effective communication skillsexplore the rich insights from 'How to Talk to Anyone,' 'Cues,' and '4 Essential Keys to Effective Communication.' For a quick and powerful way to gain valuable insightsvisit the book summaries on the Headway app.

Headway is an excellent tool for ambitious learners who value their time. While plenty of helpful personal development books are available nowadaysfinding time to read them all can be a challenge.

With Headway's abundant libraryyou can listen to or read book summaries and get the fundamental ideas of a book in just 15 minutes. Check more book summaries on conversation and communication skills in the Headway library to help you grow professionally and personally.

📘 Download Headway and learn communication skills from experts in 15-minute summaries!