50 communication skills for the workplace and your resumé

Good communication skills are essential to getting ahead at work. Not only can they help you do your job more efficiently, but they can help create a better and happier workplace culture and build stronger relationships with colleagues. 

There’s much more to communication than simply speaking with people. The art of communication can be broken down into dozens of individual aspects, including your hand gestures, listening abilities, tone of voice, ability to deliver feedback and criticism, and conflict resolution skills, too. 

If you want to improve your key communication skills and understand how to communicate effectively in the workplace, you need to work on the individual skills and aspects that may be lacking. Even skilled speakers and effective communicators can benefit from practise and improvement in certain areas. 

Below, we’ll take a look at unique workplace communication skills examples, explaining what each one means and sharing some tips and tricks to help you improve. 

• Why communication skills matter in the workplace 
• 8 communication skills for verbal communication
• 7 examples of non-verbal communication skills
• 7 written communication skills
• Examples of 7 interpersonal skills
• List of 50 communication skills for your resume
• How to showcase communication skills on your resume 
• FAQs

Why communication skills matter in the workplace 

When we talk about ‘communication skills’ this term simply refers to the many skills and abilities that are involved in exchanging information with other people. It’s about how you interact with others. The most obvious example is through speech, but communication can also take written and nonverbal forms. 

Communication skills in the workplace are important in the workplace and can play a part in helping you reach your career goals and getting ahead professionally, as well as helping your company or organisation reach its goals and objectives. For example, clear communication regarding a company’s strategy or goals can help to boost productivity and improve worker morale. 

At the same time, poor communication can have negative effects both on individuals and the workplace as a whole. Workplace morale and productivity can suffer when messages aren’t delivered clearly and miscommunications occur. Workers can struggle to progress in their careers without effective communication skills. 

Improving communication skills

There isn’t just one communication skill – in fact, there are many. There are some people who communicate more directly than others and some who are more passive in their communication style. 

Part of being a good communicator is being able to adapt your communication approach and style to suit the situation. In fact, a big part of how to communicate effectively at work is being able to identify other people’s ways of communicating and then adjusting your own approach to work with them more efficiently. 

Identifying different communication styles at work isn’t always easy. It takes time to build skills, as communication improvement is a lifelong process. Active listening and regular skills practice will help anyone get better at communicating with others.

Read more: Effective communication skills: How to improve and develop them - SEEK

The best communication skills for resumes 

Communication skills are essential in any job – and desirable on any resumé. The best communication skills for resumes are those that are relevant to your line of work. If you work remotely, written communication skills may be most important. If you work on-site, verbal communication skills like clarity and confidence are more relevant. For salespeople, persuasion and negotiation would be highly regarded.  

8 essential communication skills for verbal communication

Verbal communication skills are the skills you use when you speak with other people. These are some of the most important skills for good communication at work, as so much communication between colleagues happens through speech. 

1. Articulation and pronunciation 

Articulation is about how clearly a person speaks, while pronunciation is more focused on the correct way of saying words. Having clear articulation and proper pronunciation will help to make you a more effective speaker. 

How to improve articulation and pronunciation: There are various online tools and resources that can help you learn the proper way of pronouncing difficult words. Many YouTube accounts are dedicated to pronunciation and online dictionaries also offer audio guide. If you find you have trouble with articulation, start by speaking more slowly, incorporating pauses into speech, using simpler words to get an idea across, and varying your pitch.

2. Tone of voice 

Tone of voice is the mood or personality conveyed through how someone expresses something. Different tones of voice convey different feelings and can have totally different impressions on our audience. It’s important to adjust your tone to suit each situation, with a friendly tone when conversing with colleagues and a more professional, respectful tone when speaking with clients or bosses.  

How to improve tone of voice: Observe how other people speak to each other in different situations and follow suit. Practice using different tones with family and friends. Vary your pitch, volume and pace, and place emphasis on certain words. Do breathing exercises to help with resonance (making your voice carry). Volunteer to lead discussions to practice.  

3. Active listening 

Active listening is not just listening to what someone is saying, but making an effort to understand the message they’re trying to share. By active listening, you can learn more than what a person is saying, like their emotions or intentions, giving you more information and context, so you can come up with a better solution. 

How to improve listening skills: One way to improve active listening skills is simply by listening to people more closely in conversations. Put away your phone and pay them your full attention. Note their tone and body language. Wait until they’ve finished speaking before you answer, asking them to clarify any points you may have misunderstood.

4. Empathy 

Empathy is all about understanding other people and being able to see where they’re coming from. It’s one of the most effective communication skills that can help with conflict resolution and negotiation.  

How to improve empathy: To get better at feeling empathy, put yourself in someone else’s position. Try to imagine what it’s like being them. Imagine what you would think and how you would feel in their place.  

5. Clarity and conciseness 

Clarity refers to how clear and easy to understand your verbal communication is, while conciseness is about keeping your messages short and to the point. Both of these communication skills can be invaluable in the workplace, because without clarity, people might misunderstand what you want to say and create errors and delays. Without conciseness, you risk wasting time with unnecessarily wordy and confusing messages. 

How to improve clarity in communication: Try to get in the habit of only including the most important things, whether you’re speaking or writing an email. Cut out any redundant or repetitive words to make your messages sharper and more direct. 

6. Confidence 

Confidence is a huge part of good verbal communication. When you’re nervous, it’s harder to speak with volume, to articulate your words, and to listen to and understand others. If you’re not confident you might find it difficult to get your message across or to be believed.  

How to improve confidence: To become a more confident communicator, first identify the areas where you need to build your skills, whether that’s pronunciation or being clear and concise – then practice. Volunteer to lead presentations or discussions at work. Practice role playing work scenarios with friends or family. Take a public speaking class to improve resonance and overall confidence. 

7. Assertiveness 

Assertiveness is about getting your points across directly, but respectfully. It goes hand in hand with confidence, as it is easier to be assertive when you feel confident about what you’re saying.  Assertiveness is useful for negotiation and resolving conflicts, and is essential for leading a team or pitching new ideas.

How to be more assertive in communication: To be more assertive, practice speaking in a direct and straightforward way. Be confident, but be respectful. Have relevant facts prepared, to get your point across. Keep a measured and diplomatic tone

8. Humour 

Humour can lighten the mood and ease any awkwardness or tension. It doesn’t necessarily mean cracking jokes, rather being light-hearted or playful rather than serious or stressed. A sense of humour in communication can be useful when leading a presentation, training someone, taking part in team-building exercises and in day-to-day office interactions. 

How to use humour in communication at work: Humour can be used in situations where you need to keep people engaged, for example if you are leading a training session or a team discussion. You might use a playful tone of voice to keep the mood light in team-building activities or times of heavy workload.  

7 examples of communication skills: non-verbal communication for your resume  

Verbal skills are complemented by non-verbal communication skills. These types of communication should reinforce what you’re saying through facial expressions, posture, hand gestures, and eye contact. Here are some non-verbal communication techniques examples and how to improve communication skills like these:

1. Body language 

Body language is the way you express yourself through posture and movement. It includes the way you sit or stand, how you hold yourself, eye contact and so on. Body language can tell you a lot about a person, like their mood and even a bit of their personality. Body language can give the impression of being interested – or disinterested – of enthusiastic or disengaged. It’s important that your body language is saying the right things. 

How to improve body language: The first step is being more mindful and aware of your body and make a point to sit and stand up straight and in “open” postures, with your arms and legs uncrossed. In meetings or training sessions, face the person who is speaking.  

2. Eye contact 

Eye contact is an important aspect of body language and non-verbal communication skills. Making eye contact shows people you are engaged in your conversation and giving it your full attention. It’s important not to stare, so when you’re making eye contact, also glance away from time to time.  

How to improve eye contact skills: It can feel awkward for naturally shy people to maintain eye contact, but it’s something you can practice every time you speak to someone. Practice looking at people’s eyes if you have online meetings. Alternate looking in their eyes and at a spot between their eyebrows.  

3. Facial expressions 

Facial expressions help convey your message in the right tone, so it’s important to be aware of them and how they might be interpreted. A soft expression will communicate that you are friendly and approachable, while a frown – even if you don’t mean it – could have the opposite effect. 

How to improve facial expressions: First step is being conscious of your facial movements. Once you are aware of your expressions, you can practice softening them and making them more neutral.  

4. Posture 

Posture is how you sit and stand. Poor posture is when you hunch over or slouch down in your chair; it can communicate disinterest or a lack of confidence. Good posture means a straight back with relaxed arms and legs.  

How to improve posture: To improve your posture, sit up in your chair or stand up straight, tuck your shoulders back, and make your sure head and neck are aligned with your spine. Search online for stretches and exercise that can help you keep your back straight.

5. Gestures 

Hand gestures can help you communicate in a more engaging and easy-to-understand way. Moving your hands while speaking can emphasise certain points or ideas, and may help make your message more clear. Gestures can be an effective way to help illustrate a point, and they generally convey confidence and conviction in what you’re saying.  

How to improve hand gestures: If you’re wanting to use hand gestures to help you communicate more impactfully, first make a point to incorporate them more. Practice in the mirror or record yourself to assess your skill level. Get ideas by watching TED Talks and news presenters.  

6. Touch 

Physical touch is also a part of non-verbal communication. High fives, fist bumps and shoulder pats are all examples of how you might physically interact with someone at work. These types of touch communicate friendliness and support, but should be reserved for people you’re already on a friendly basis with. Some people (you included) may not be comfortable with any type of physical touching at all, so it’s something to use with care. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution. 

7. Appearance 

Your physical appearance is an indirect form of communication. No matter what your job is, how you present yourself through grooming and outfit choice communicates something about you. Generally, being well groomed and wearing clean clothes communicates professionalism and maturity. If you want to seem competent and reliable, present yourself appropriately.  

How to improve your appearance at work: The “right” presentation for the job depends on your line of work. If you need guidance, look at what others at work or in your industry are wearing. Search online for ideas as well. Get feedback from friends or family on the impression you’re making with your appearance.  

7 key communication skills in written communication for your resume  

Another common method of communication in the workplace is written communication, including emails, reports, letters, and instant messages. As more people shift to hybrid work, written communication is an increasingly important aspect of workplace communication skills. 

1. Spelling and grammar 

Spelling and grammar form the foundation of good written workplace communications. It’s important to write in a way that is error-free and straightforward, so your readers understand your message. Typo-free writing also shows a sense of professionalism, while an email with mistakes can make a negative impression. 

How to improve spelling and grammar: There are various software tools, such as Grammarly and ProWriting Aid – or those built into whatever program you’re using – that can help you fix grammatical mistakes or typos as you work. Reading books can help you with grammar, while bookmarking an online dictionary can help you get spelling right. AI is also a reliable grammar checker.    

2. Clarity and brevity 

A common communication mistake is being too wordy, i.e., using 100 words to say something that could be said in 50. Brevity and clarity in emails and messages makes them easier to digest and understand, so get into the habit of stripping your written communications down to the basics, using simple language and breaking up text into paragraphs and even bullet points. 

How to write with clarity and brevity: Re-read your messages and see if you can remove any words that aren’t needed. Make sentences short and see if you can format any information into bulleted lists. If you’re writing an email, be concise and accurate in your subject line. Finish a written message with a clear call to action, so the recipient knows what you expect them to do.  

3. Tone and style 

It’s important to adjust your tone and style when writing to different people or for different purposes. A quick email to a colleague, for example, can be informal, compared to a project update you’re writing to a client or senior leader.  

How to improve written tone and style: If you don’t know how to adjust the level of formality in your emails, it might be best to enrol in a short online course on business writing or read relevant blogs on the topic. Also look at different examples of emails in your own inbox to see how the tones differ.  

4. Audience awareness 

Whenever you’re writing any type of communication, be it a letter, email or marketing content, it’s essential to know your audience. Adjust your tone and language to suit, and avoid using jargon or acronyms they won’t understand.  

How to improve audience awareness: While writing, ask yourself questions like “Is this piece of information relevant to the audience?” and “Will the audience understand this?” Make sure you know exactly who you’re addressing. 

5. Persuasion and influence 

Being able to write persuasively is one of the best communication skills to have. It can come in handy when you’re first negotiating jobs or fees, when you’re requesting annual leave, when you’re asking someone for a favour – any time you need to convince someone to see things your way.  

How to write with persuasion and influence: One way to improve is to use emotive words and to have research to back up your reasoning. Present your case logically and clearly, using short, impactful sentences.  

6. Attention to detail

Attention to detail is the ability to carefully focus on all aspects of a task or communication, ensuring accuracy and completeness. It involves being thorough in both written and verbal communication, making sure every word, number, or fact is precise. This skill combines focus, organisation, and critical thinking to identify potential errors or omissions. Developing attention to detail means consistently reviewing your work, checking for inconsistencies, and being mindful of small but important elements that can make a significant impact on the overall quality of your communication. 

How to improve attention to detail in the workplace: To improve attention to detail, stay organised, break tasks into smaller steps, and regularly review your work. Minimise distractions, take breaks, and use tools like spell checkers to catch mistakes. Asking for feedback and learning from errors will help you improve accuracy over time. 

7. Reading and comprehension 

Part of being able to communicate well in writing is comprehending messages and requests from others. The tone, style, and depth of messages you might receive on a daily basis may vary greatly, so reading comprehension is crucial if you want to address each efficiently.  

How to improve reading comprehension: One way to improve is by doing more reading in general and pausing to ask yourself if you’ve taken all the information in. Seek out reading comprehension activities on the internet. Also try logic puzzles and riddles.  

Examples of effective communication: 7 interpersonal skills

Interpersonal communication skills in the workplace are skills specific to getting along well with others. Knowing how to communicate effectively at work includes having good interpersonal skills – especially important for managers, HR professionals and team leaders, as these skills include conflict resolution and negotiation between multiple parties.  

1. Conflict resolution 

Conflicts are a natural occurrence in the workplace. Even in happy working environments, it’s normal for workers to occasionally disagree or for employees to sometimes have complaints. Being able to resolve conflicts is a great interpersonal skill, whether you’re part of the conflict or a neutral party.  

How to improve conflict resolution skills: A good way to start is to improve your active listening and empathy skills. Make a point to understand the other person’s side and address their concerns and present your case respectfully.  
 
Read our comprehensive guide to improving conflict resolution skills. 

2. Negotiation 

Negotiation is another important interpersonal communication skill in the workplace. You might need to negotiate the terms of a sale or contract with a client or prospective business partner, for example. Or perhaps you just a raise or more flexible work hours. 

How to improve negotiation skills: To be a good negotiator, it’s important to be assertive and arm yourself with facts. Use persuasive words, be confident, and state your case clearly.  
 
Read more about negotiation skills in the workplace. 

3. Networking 

Networking is the skill of making connections, whether at work or outside of work, potentially forging strong relationships with people in your industry. It’s not just about making acquaintances with people who can help your career, it also includes helping others reach their professional goals. Networking skills encompass many of the above communication skills, like articulation, confidence, clarity, and humour.  

How to improve networking skills: A great way to improve networking is by attending networking events, conferences and industry functions, and put yourself in scenarios where you have to introduce yourself to people and make professional small talk. Don’t overlook the value of networking online.  

4. Relationship building 

Relationship building is all about strengthening your professional connections, whether they be fellow colleagues, clients, bosses, or junior team members. To build strong workplace relationships, it’s important to be reliable, friendly, supportive and helpful. 

How to improve relationship building at work: Be actively involved in what’s going on in your workplace. Volunteer to help people. Ask others for help or mentoring. Have a positive, encouraging attitude and follow through on your promises.   

5. Feedback and criticism 

Feedback and criticism help improve workplace productivity and are essential for building skills and progressing your career. But both giving and receiving feedback can be difficult. Feedback will likely happen in the context of a performance review or could be a daily part of your job if you work with customers or clients.  

How to improve at giving/receiving feedback: The best way to give feedback is in private, in a straightforward yet respectful way, as a two-way conversation. To get better at taking feedback, first understand that the criticism isn’t personal, then see it as an opportunity to improve.  

Read more on giving and receiving feedback.  

6. Mindfulness 

Mindfulness means being present and engaged in what you are doing, and aware of your thoughts and feelings. It’s an important skill in the workplace and in your private life, and can help you improve any of the above communication skills. Some useful mindfulness methods to try include breathwork, guided meditation and activities like colouring, crafting or gardening.  

7. Cultural sensitivity 

In Australia, it’s fairly common to work in a multicultural setting. Cultural sensitivity means being considerate of people from different backgrounds or with different beliefs to yours. Diverse workplaces offer opportunities for you to discover more about the world and may even help you build new skill sets. 

How to be more culturally sensitive: Researching other cultures and interacting with people from different backgrounds is a good way to build empathy and understanding, as well as learn something new.  

List of 50 communication skills for resumes

Verbal communication skills

1. Public speaking
2. Active listening
3. Presentation delivery
4. Storytelling
5. Negotiation
6. Conflict resolution
7. Persuasion
8. Articulation and clarity
9. Tone modulation
10. Interpersonal communication

Written communication skills

1. Email writing
2. Report writing
3. Proposal drafting
4. Copywriting
5. Content creation
6. Technical writing
7. Proofreading
8. Editing
9. Blogging
10. Documentation

Nonverbal communication skills

1. Body language awareness
2. Facial expressions
3. Eye contact
4. Gestures
5. Active presence
6. Spatial awareness
7. Posture management
8. Confidence projection
9. Personal presentation
10. Physical mirroring

Interpersonal communication skills

1. Collaboration
2. Empathy
3. Networking
4. Relationship building
5. Team coordination
6. Adaptability in communication styles
7. Positive reinforcement
8. Trust-building
9. Diplomacy
10. Inclusivity

Technical and digital communication skills

1. CRM communication
2. Social media management
3. Video conferencing proficiency
4. Online chat support
5. Customer service emails
6. Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint)
7. Virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Teams)
8. Webinar hosting
9. Digital storytelling
10. Data visualisation communication

How to showcase communication skills on your resume  

When you master new communication skills, make sure to list them on your resumé, as being a great communicator is a desirable quality for any employee. Your resumé should have a skills section, which can be divided into technical skills and interpersonal skills. You can showcase communication skills on your resumé in the “skills” section, under interpersonal skills. Here’s an example of how you might format them:  

• Active listening: Facilitated team discussions and used active listening to resolve conflicts.
• Business writing: Drafted reports and proposals. Wrote all-staff emails on behalf of the managing director.  
• Presentations and pitches: Led pitch meetings with clients. Edited creative presentation decks.   

How to incorporate communication skills into job applications and interviews 

You can incorporate communications skills into a job application by including them on your resumé. It’s important to focus only on the skills that make sense for the position. Space on your resumé should be reserved only for information that’s relevant to the role. 

During an interview, you may be asked to expand on the skills you’ve listed on your resumé. The hiring manager might want to know how confident and experienced you are in certain situations. It’s important not to exaggerate, but to demonstrate how you used key communication skills in past workplace settings. Here’s how to incorporate communication skills into a job interview. 

• I used active listening on a daily basis to serve customers and de-escalate any complaints they had.  
• I often wrote emails and proposals on behalf of our managing director. She also relied on me to draft the quarterly business performance report for the owners. 
• I have lots of experience pitching ideas to clients, negotiating project timelines and relaying feedback to the development team. 

How to improve communication skills  

It’s always worth investing in more workplace skills. If you’re wondering how to improve communication skills relevant to your job, you could ask your manager for feedback on which areas they think you can improve on. You can also look at any training your employer provides. Outside of work, there are often free courses available online at websites such as Lynda, with activities that can help you improve communication skills for the workplace. Reference books and self-help books can also be valuable resources. 

There are many different types of communication skills, and they all impact how well you interact with others at work. If you’re interested in improving communication skills, first identify which individual skills are most important to your job that you want to become better at. Once you’ve mastered a skill, add it to your resumé. You may be surprised at how learning new communication skills can lead to more  opportunities in and out of the workplace. 

FAQs

What are communication skills?   

Communication skills are skills you use when interacting with other people, to convey a message. They include verbal, non-verbal communication and the written word. Related attributes include empathy and assertiveness.  

Why are communication skills important in the workplace?   

Communication skills are highly prized in any workplace, as working productively and efficiently relies on good communication between colleagues and clients/customers. Effective communication helps you get ideas across, make sales, and resolve conflicts.  

How can I improve my communication skills?   

There are many ways to strengthen your communication skills, such as by practising key skills you feel you're lacking, listening and observing great communicators at your workplace and online, and asking for feedback from colleagues and bosses.  

What are some common barriers to effective communication?   

Issues like social anxiety or lack of experience in effective communication can impact a person's ability to communicate effectively. Other barriers include being unhappy at your job, a clash of communication styles, or conflicts and lack of trust in the workplace.  

What are some examples of non-verbal communication?   

Examples of non-verbal communication include eye contact, hand gestures, facial expressions, posture and other forms of body language.   

How can I communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds?   

First, be aware of cultural differences and communicate respectfully. Keep your message simple and use clear and concise language. Be confident but approachable. Speak in an articulate and straightforward way.   

What are some tips for giving effective presentations?   

For a presentation to be effective, the presenter should be confident and knowledgeable in their subject. The presentation should be easy to follow and delivered in an engaging and expressive way. Humour can make a presentation more interesting and memorable.   

How can I improve my active listening skills?   

One way to improve your active listening is through practice. Make a conscious effort to speak less and listen more attentively when someone is addressing you. Think about what they're saying and the message they’re wanting to convey. Put away any distractions and focus on the speaker.  

What are some techniques for managing conflicts through communication?   

Empathy, clarity and a respectful tone of voice are all important communication skills for conflict resolution. Active listening, negotiation and persuasiveness are also good communication skills for solving conflicts in the workplace.   

How can I tailor my communication style to different audiences?  

The best way to tailor your communication is to understand your audience and their expectations. You can adjust your communication style by changing your tone, your vocabulary, your body language and by being more formal or more light-hearted.