Have you ever found it hard to convey a message effectively at work? Do you sometimes misread what someone else is saying or struggle to stay calm and clear when you’re upset? These are common communication challenges we’ve all faced at some point in our everyday work interactions. They can cause problems, such as lower productivity and misunderstandings between co-workers. Preventing these mishaps starts with learning what makes for effective communication. This guide will discuss the best books on communication skills in the workplace based on user reviews and our own insights. As specialists at summarizing books, we’ve reviewed many books and can point you to the ones that really make a difference.
Let’s dive straight into it.
Overview of Communication Challenges in the Workplace Today
Good communication skills can help you achieve your work goals and deepen your relationships with colleagues. They are vital for tasks like giving instructions, assigning work, providing feedback, resolving conflicts, negotiating, and persuading. However, we often don’t get enough opportunities to practice communication skills, especially in today’s work environments. Many of us communicate using digital tools, such as email, text messages, and workspace applications, reducing the chances of live conversation. Without face-to-face conversation, developing and refining our communication skills in real time becomes more challenging.
If left unaddressed, poor communication can cause misunderstandings, mistakes, and delays. This can affect work quality, which can lower morale and hinder collaboration. According to research from Dynamic Signal, 63% of people said poor communication hindered them from doing their jobs and led them to want to quit. Apart from a lack of morale, poor communication can also lead to tensions, eventually reducing team members’ trust.
Key skills for improving communication for meaningful work interactions include active listening, understanding others’ feelings, and tailoring your communication to the situation and the people you’re talking to. The right books can offer great insights and advice for learning these communication skills. Whether learning about nonverbal cues in “The Definitive Book of Body Language” or understanding how to navigate conversations when emotions are high in “Crucial Conversation,” books provide practical advice and actionable strategies to enhance communication skills and overcome obstacles in the modern workplace. By incorporating the wisdom from such resources, individuals can become more effective communicators, fostering stronger connections and driving success in their professional endeavors.
Recommendations for the Best Books on Communication
Whether you’re trying to give instructions to a co-worker, get team members on your side, negotiate a deal, or make friends with a new colleague, here’s our top pick of 7 effective communication books to help you communicate like a pro.
You can find the links to the free book summaries below. Or subscribe for detailed infographic, text, and audio summaries for hundreds of great books like these, with options to read them online or download the pdf/mp3 files to keep!
Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson
1-sentence summary
“Crucial Conversations” offers techniques for engaging in open, honest, and effective dialogues in high-stakes situations.
What it teaches you
Patterson emphasizes the importance of not giving into emotional impulses or making poor choices when confronted by conversations where opinions vary, or stakes are high.
Key takeaways
Crucial Conversations helps you to identify and effectively conduct “high stakes conversations”, so you can overcome difficult or sensitive issues, to improve results and achieve your desired outcomes.
Best For
Anyone seeking to navigate and improve high-stakes communications in personal or professional settings.
Favorite Quote
“If you know how to handle crucial conversations, you can effectively hold tough conversations about virtually any topic.”
Book Review
Readers praise Crucial Conversations for providing insightful and practical advice on handling difficult conversations with confidence and empathy. The book is often commended for its case studies, illustrating crucial conversations at home and in the workplace and suggesting strategies to achieve desired outcomes. Reviewers also appreciate the exercises included in the book, which reinforce the concepts.
You can read the detailed Crucial Conversations summary here.
Just Listen by Mark Goulston
1-sentence summary
‘Just Listen’ by Mark Goulston is about mastering the art of effective listening to influence others, build trust, and foster meaningful connections in personal and professional relationships.
What it teaches you
Just Listen presents 9 fundamental rules and 12 techniques that can be used to get through to anyone in any situation.
Key takeaways
You’ll learn communication rules and techniques to get through to anyone by shifting their resistance to being willing to listen and consider what you’re saying.
Best For
Professionals in leadership, sales, counseling, or any role requiring effective communication and persuasion.
Favorite Quote
“The first and most important rule for taking control in a stressful situation is this: get yourself under control first.”
Book Review
Psychiatrist, coach and consultant Mark Goulston shares the communication rules and techniques that have been proven to work from hostage negotiations to issues with colleagues or loved ones. The book offers case studies, alongside a breadth of examples ranging from hostage negotiations to psychiatric consultations and everyday business or personal interactions, which helps to provide a multifaceted view of effective communication strategies.
You can get the Just Listen summary here.
Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
1-sentence summary
This book delves into the strategies for handling tough conversations gracefully and effectively, regardless of the setting or subject matter.
What it teaches you
You’ll learn to navigate and resolve challenging dialogs, understanding the underlying emotions and perspectives that make such conversations difficult.
Key takeaways
Difficult Conversations presents strategies for approaching conversations with empathy and openness. It also shares techniques for managing and de-escalating tension. Finally, you’ll learn insights on how to articulate your views clearly and listen actively.
Best for
Anyone who faces challenging discussions in personal relationships, professional settings, or conflict resolution scenarios.
Favorite quote
“Things don’t change, because each is waiting for the other to change.”
Book review
Difficult Conversations provides invaluable guidance for tackling tough talks without fear. Through practical tips and relatable examples, the book equips readers with the tools to approach sensitive subjects confidently, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
You can read the Difficult Conversations book summary here.
Unleash the Power of Storytelling by Rob Biesenbach
1-sentence summary
Explore the transformative power of storytelling in engaging audiences, clarifying ideas, and inspiring action.
What it teaches you
Master the art of storytelling to captivate and influence your audience, whether in marketing, leadership, teaching, or personal communication.
Key takeaways
You’ll learn the elements of a compelling story and how to use storytelling as a persuasive tool. Furthermore, you’ll explore techniques to connect with your audience emotionally.
Best for
Leaders, marketers, educators, and anyone looking to enhance their communication impact through storytelling.
Favorite quote
“Stories are the currency of human connection.”
Book review
Unleash the Power of Storytelling explores why stories resonate, offering a step-by-step guide to crafting narratives that engage and persuade. The book is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to harness storytelling’s unique ability to connect and inspire.
Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great by Carmine Gallo
1-sentence summary
A roadmap to exceptional communication skills, providing the insights and techniques to stand out, influence others, and achieve success.
What it teaches you
Five Star discusses identifying and developing key communication skills, from public speaking to persuasive writing, to help elevate your message and impact.
Key takeaways
You’ll learn the importance of clarity and emotion in communication, how to build trust and rapport with your audience, and techniques for impactful and memorable messaging.
Best for
Professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs aiming to elevate their communication skills and personal influence
Favorite quote
“Relying on the art of persuasion to strengthen emotional bonds makes teams more productive, engaged, cooperative, and, ultimately, successful.”
Book review
Five Stars offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of effective communication, packed with actionable insights and real-world applications. This book is a must-read for those looking to refine their communicative prowess and leave a lasting impression.
Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
1-sentence summary
An authoritative guide on the psychology of persuasion, explaining how and why people say “yes” and how to apply these understandings ethically.
What it teaches you
Dive into the principles of persuasion and learn how they can be applied in various aspects of everyday life, from business to personal interactions.
Key takeaways
You’ll learn the six universal principles of influence. Additionally, you’ll explore recognizing and resisting manipulative tactics. Ultimately, Influence shares insight into applying ethical persuasion in your daily interactions.
Best for
Marketers, salespeople, negotiators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of influence to improve their persuasive abilities.
Favorite quote
“Often we don’t realize that our attitude toward something has been influenced by the number of times we have been exposed to it in the past.”
Book review
Influence is a seminal work that demystifies the core aspects of persuasion, offering deep insights backed by robust research. Cialdini’s engaging narrative and practical advice make this book a cornerstone for anyone interested in the dynamics of influence and how to apply them constructively and effectively.
You can get the Influence summary here.
Bonus Books: Exploring often overlooked communication skills
Negotiation Genius by Deepak Malhotra and Max. H Bazerman
Negotiations Genius by Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman offers a deep dive into essential negotiation skills required to succeed in all areas of life, from business to politics and personal life. By leveraging case studies and practical examples, the book demonstrates how to effectively utilize its principles and techniques in real situations. It is an easy-to-follow guideline, helping readers implement these strategies seamlessly into their daily lives.
You can read the Negotiation Genius summary here.
Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan
This playbook by Erica Dhawan helps you understand digital body language and communicate effectively in a digital world. You’ll learn the components and four laws of digital body language and what it takes to communicate clearly across differences. The book’s exploration of personal anecdotes and observations offers valuable lessons on what not to do or how to adjust your approach in similar situations.
You can read the Digital Body Language summary here.
Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury
Getting to Yes presents a framework for “principled negotiations”: a systematic approach to achieving better outcomes that address what you want while maintaining (or even improving) relationships. It includes several examples, detailed case studies, and insightful resources to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of negotiation in various contexts.
You can read the Getting to Yes summary here.
TED Talks by Chris Anderson
TED Talks presents various insights and tips that anyone can use to improve their public speaking skills. In addition to ideas and tips developed by the book author, Chris Anderson, he shares examples and snippets from various authors and speakers, providing relatable models on good speaking practices.
You can read the TED Talks summary here.
Let’s recap how you can apply the workplace communications skills covered in the books above, to advance your professional outcomes.
How to apply what you read to your life
You now know the value of the book titles reviewed in the previous section. But how do you retain the knowledge shared in these books so we can apply it daily?
Choose Books That Address Your Situation
Which books speak to my current challenges? Identify your pressing issues or goals and pick books addressing those areas. For instance, if you struggle with picking up on nonverbal cues, look for books that mainly address that. This ensures you gain targeted knowledge and practical strategies directly relevant to improving those areas.
Recommendations, Recommendations, Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask for book suggestions from people you admire or who have faced similar challenges.
Furthermore, online platforms can also provide personalized recommendations based on your interests and current life situation. For example, ReadinGraphics offers a dedicated section for book recommendations, providing concise summaries and insights tailored to your interests and challenges.
Create Action Items
Turn Key Insights Into Actionable Steps: If you find identifying key takeaways while reading challenging, you can get a hold of the title’s book summary. Book summaries distill vital points, making it easier to identify valuable insights. Then, convert them into specific, actionable steps you can implement daily. For example, a critical insight from the book, Crucial Conversations is to learn to observe non-verbal cues. You could dedicate the first week after reading this book to paying attention to people’s physical gestures and what they are communicating.
Revise Inspiring Books
Deepen understanding and retention: Revisiting books or summaries that have significantly impacted you can reinforce their messages and reveal new insights, deepening your knowledge and aiding retention.
Slowly integrate lessons: Each reread can help integrate the book’s lessons into different layers of your life and career, ensuring that wisdom becomes a part of your decision-making process and daily habits. For example, keep rereading a book on better workplace communication. You might start with simple listening skills and then move on to more complex methods like giving feedback and resolving conflicts, which can significantly improve how you interact with others at work.
Conclusion
Becoming a better communicator is within your reach with the right resources and a bit of dedication. The books we’ve covered here offer a goldmine of strategies and insights that can transform how you interact at work and beyond.
So, grab one of these recommended reads, dive in, and start your journey toward more meaningful and effective communication. After all, the better we communicate, the better we connect and succeed in all aspects of our lives.
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