Communication skills

 
Speaking, listening, reading and writing – all vital skills for expressing ourselves and understanding others. Whether you’re having a conversation with friends, a discussion at work or writing a job application: better communicators make a better impression. The importance of communication skills cannot be underestimated. The earlier in life these skills are developed, the better.
 

Top 15 resources for improving your communication skills

• ‘5 Ways to Listen Better’ TED talk by Julian Treasure
  This interesting TED talk looks at how to re-attune your hearing for conscious listening, and why it is so important.
• The 10 Principles of Listening
  This article by SkillsYouNeed acts as a great overview of key things to consider when aiming to improve your listening. Incidentally, SkillsYouNeed.com has a whole host of articles and resources that could help you improve your listening. It’s definitely worth checking out.
• 10 Steps to Effective Listening
  This Forbes article, written by Dianne Schilling, follows a similar vein to the one by SkillsYouNeed. However, here Dianne presents a structured step-by-step process to guide you smoothly through each aspect.
• ‘How to Speak so That People Want to Listen’ by Julian Treasure
  Concerned that people aren’t listening to you when you speak? This TED talk looks at how to use your voice to get people to listen.
• ‘The Psychology of Communicating Effectively in a Digital World’, TED talk by Helen Morris-Brown
  Concerned that people aren’t listening to you when you speak? This TED talk looks at how to use your voice to get people to listen.
• 7 Ways to Communicate More Effectively in a Digital Age
  This article contains some top tips for communicating your content in a digital-friendly way.
• 8 Tips for Effective Email Communication
  Nowadays, emails are of course the main method of communication in the workplace. This article provides some tips on communicating effectively via email.
• Seth Godin on Public Speaking and Performing During High Stakes Situations
  This inspirational podcast will give you the confidence to make an impact with your public speaking when it matters most.
• 10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills
  10 ways to improve your public speaking skills from Harvard University.
• ‘Impress in English: Presentation Skills for Non-Native Speakers’ by Susanne Lewis
  With a special focus on non-native speakers of English, this handy quick guide teaches you everything you need to know for that upcoming presentation, fast.
• ‘How I Beat Stage Fright’ by Joe Kowan
  Get nervous before or during a speech? You’re not alone. This amusing TED talk provides some inspiration for overcoming your fear and helps you to perform at your very best.
• Managing Fear, Nerves and Anxiety When Public Speaking
  A podcast full of personal experience from international speaker, coach and podcast host, Christina Canters. Listen for some tried and tested techniques for managing your nerves, including ways to change your mindset as well as practical tips.
• ‘How to Speak with Impact’ by Peter Hopwood
  Some tips and tricks on communication skills in general and bringing value to your message when you speak – perfect for applying to your upcoming presentation.
• ‘How to Avoid Death by PowerPoint’ by David JP Phillips
  This TED talk shows you how best to use PowerPoint for visual aids that optimally complement your speech.
• ‘Knowing Your Audience’
  This video from Toastmasters runs through the importance of knowing your audience, what sort of things to consider and how to go about it.