You’ve found our list of the best communication booksfor work.
Communication books are guides that teach skills and strategies for having successful conversations in the workplace. These references cover topics such as body language, empathy, diplomacy, and listening. the purpose of these books is to improve communication skills and teamwork.
You are reading: Business communication skills books
These guides are a type of team building book and are similar to conflict resolution books, problem solving books, and negotiation books.
this list includes:
- business communication books
- communication skills books
- workplace communication books
- communication books for leaders
- books on public communication speaking
here we go!
list of communication books
here is a list of communication books to improve conversations in the workplace.
1. crucial conversations: tools for speaking up when the stakes are high by kerry patterson, joseph grenny, ron mcmillan, and al switzler
Crucial Conversations is a guide to communicating in tense situations. the book urges speakers to create dialogues in which both parties feel safe speaking and try to listen to each other. The authors explain how to navigate tense discussions with grace, compassion, and skill, and pass on tips and strategies for moving the conversation toward a peaceful resolution. The book shows readers how to stay in control of their own emotions, persuade without pressure, and use a solution-focused tone. later chapters even touch on
starred quote: “People who are skilled at dialogue go to great lengths to make it safe for everyone to add their meaning to the shared group, even ideas that at first glance seem controversial, incorrect, or contrary to their own beliefs. now obviously they don’t agree with every idea, they just do their best to make sure every idea gets through.”
read crucial conversations.
2. simply put: communicate better at work and beyond by jay sullivan
simply said is one of the best books on communication in the workplace. Jay Sullivan outlines the rules of business communication and shows professionals how to optimize conversations. The book explores best practices for written and oral communication, as well as communication in team and leadership settings. Topics covered include how to structure messages, use clear words, mindfully incorporate body language, give and respond to feedback, and lead meetings. The book explores office communications in various forms and strips communication practice down to the basics. Simply said, it is one of the most useful manuals for corporate communication.
Notable Quote: “If we focus on what the other person is trying to get out of the exchange, we’ll do a better job of communicating, because we’ll select more pertinent information, drill down to the desired level of detail, and make the information we we share is more accessible to our audience.”
read simply said.
3. words that work: it’s not what you say, it’s what people hear by dr. frank luntz
words that work is a writing guide. the main thread of the book is that it is the interpretation, not the intention, that matters most in communication. The book explores common pitfalls that lead to misunderstandings, shows how to choose words carefully, and teaches readers how to be more skillful at messaging. special sections feature ten golden rules for language, as well as corporate and political case studies showing how words can be misunderstood. words that work provides a model to convey the correct meaning and be understood in the discussion. this book explains the responsibility of carefully expressing thoughts and shows how to convey messages in the most effective way possible.
Notable quote: “Those who define the debate will determine the outcome.”
read words that work.
4. the fine art of small talk: how to start a conversation, keep it going, develop networking skills, and leave a positive impression. by debra fine
The fine art of small talk offers a crash course in having casual conversations. The book breaks down ways to start, maintain, and end conversations, with an emphasis on ways to keep the conversation lively and engaging. Debra Fine gives tips on how to make meaningful connections and leave positive impressions by practicing and improving conversation skills. the end of the book covers how to take advantage of small talk in specific situations, like networking events or holiday parties. The guide has many practical applications in the workplace, including bonding with co-workers and establishing rapport with customers. While many communication books focus on navigating high-stakes discussions, the fine art of small talk shows that less formal chats can have just as much impact.
Notable quote: “No matter what topic of conversation you choose, I can’t overstate the importance of being authentic when talking to someone. If you’re not really interested in what the other person is saying, no amount of planning or preparation will It will save you from a conversation doomed to failure. Interest in another person cannot be faked.”
read the fine art of small talk.
5. Communication Skills Training: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Social Intelligence, Presentation, Persuasion, and Public Speaking by Ian Tuhovsky
communication skills training is one of the most useful communication skills books. The guide provides a set of practical tools to boost emotional intelligence and conversational skills. the pages cover topics such as expressing anger productively, fixing conversations gone wrong, remaining unrestrained, and generating quick responses and predicting reactions. The book covers the full range of communication topics and provides readers with practical advice for any potential situation. the pages are filled with sample dialogue to illustrate points, as well as simple instructions, such as lists of phrases to avoid along with best substitutions. communication skills training is a comprehensive manual for communicating effectively in any circumstance that is full of practical advice and not just theory.
starred quote: “what can I do even better, more efficiently, differently and more effectively?”
See Also: The 10 Books on Power and Influence Everyone Needs to Read
read communication skills training.
6. just listen: discover the secret to reaching absolutely anyone by mark goulston by ian tuhovsky
Just Listen is one of the best communication books for leaders. the authors insist that listening to others is often the key to being heard. the pages show professionals how to identify feelings and motivations, validate the speaker, and deal with challenging people and situations with patience and skill. The guide provides frameworks such as “The 9 Basic Rules for Reaching Anyone” and “Tools for Gaining Acceptance and Communication” to help conversation leaders overcome skepticism and defensiveness and find common ground. Just Listen highlights the importance of listening, context, and clue-gathering in communication, and shows readers strategies for having healthier dialogues.
starred quote: “so when you meet troublesome people, realize that there is a reason why they are behaving the way they are…open your own mind and look for the reasons behind the behavior , and you will take the first step to break down barriers and communicate with an “impossible” person.
read just listen.
7. Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott
Fierce Conversations is a guide to having more authentic and impactful conversations. The book teaches readers how to harness communication for positive change and shows that success is the result of a series of productive conversations. Susan Scott offers uplifting sentiments along with practical advice on how to use silence as a tool, take responsibility for emotional outbursts, and stand up for priorities. Fierce Talks provides a roadmap for staying grounded in arguments and speaking more triumphantly.
Notable Quote: “Our work, our relationships, and our lives make or break one conversation at a time. While no single conversation is guaranteed to transform a business, a relationship, or a life, any conversation can. speak and listen as if this is the most important conversation you will ever have with this person. could be. participate as if it mattered. it does.”
reads fierce conversations.
8. digital body language: how to build trust and connection, no matter the distance by erica dhawan
digital body language is an instruction manual for reading signals in online conversations. this guide explains how to read reactions and build confidence behind a screen. the pages describe which communication tools to use in certain situations and show how to communicate thoughtfully and professionally on any platform. erica dhawan also discusses how to digitally bridge differences like gender, generational divide and culture. digital body language is a valuable reference for communicating while working remotely.
Notable quote: “The loss of non-verbal body cues is one of the most overlooked reasons employees feel so disconnected from others. If used correctly and at scale, empathic body language equals employee engagement. disconnection occurs not because people don’t want to be empathic, but because with current tools, they don’t know how to do it.”
Read digital body language and check out this guide to virtual meeting etiquette.
9. talk like ted: 9 public speaking secrets from the world’s greatest minds by carmine gallo
speak like ted is one of the best books on public speaking. Carmine Gallo analyzes hundreds of Ted Talks to determine what qualities make speeches and speakers more memorable. The book introduces nine best practices that lead to compelling presentations, such as appealing to multiple senses, educating the audience, providing pleasant surprises, and keeping it short. talk like ted is a written workshop on the art of storytelling that can help professionals elevate presentations.
Notable quote: “Science shows that passion is literally contagious. you cannot inspire others unless you yourself are inspired. you have a much better chance of persuading and inspiring your listeners if you express an enthusiastic, passionate, and meaningful connection to your topic.”
read talk like ted.
10. say what you mean: a conscious approach to nonviolent communication by oren jay sofer
Say What You Mean is the definitive guide to having meaningful and mindful conversations. oren jay sofer explores the unconscious habits and patterns many conversationalists fall into and shows readers how to break arguments on autopilot and speak with intent. this guide emphasizes how to maintain focus, avoid ambiguity, and reduce anxiety when having discussions. the text shows how to be frank but compassionate and demonstrates that conversational clarity doesn’t have to come for the sake of humanity.
Notable quote: “Listening involves letting go of self-centeredness in a fundamental way. we have to be willing to set aside our own thoughts, views, and feelings temporarily to truly listen.”
read, say what you mean.
11. we need to talk: how to have conversations that matter by celeste headlee
Inspired by a very popular ted talk, we need to talk provides guidance on how to navigate important conversations. Celeste Headlee shows readers how to be fully present in conversations, take a nonjudgmental approach, avoid repetition and evasion, and get to the heart of the matter. The book frames conversation as a survival skill and teaches speakers how to master the art. we need to talk shows readers how to stop multitasking and taking over, extract important information from the discussion, and ensure critical messages are heard.
starred quote: “to have important conversations, sometimes you have to check your opinions at the door. there is no belief so strong that it cannot be temporarily set aside to learn from someone who disagrees. don’t worry; your beliefs will still be there when you’re done.”
read we need to talk.
12. Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
See Also: Best Books of 2021 So Far | Time
difficult conversations is a manual for communicating in high pressure situations. Drawing on experience from the Harvard Negotiation Project, the authors describe best practices for guiding emotionally charged discussions. the text gives tips for disarming defensiveness, identifying underlying meaning, and transitioning the conversation from emotion to solutions. The book identifies and analyzes different types of difficult conversations and explores the nuances of the circumstances surrounding discussions. Difficult Conversations is a valuable toolkit for any professional who needs to talk about difficult topics or communicate with difficult people.
notable quote: “often we go through an entire conversation, or even an entire relationship, without even realizing that each of us is paying attention to different things, that our points of view are based on different information” .
read difficult conversations.
13. hbr guide to better business writing by harvard business review
the hbr guide to better business writing is one of the best business communication books. This practical guide teaches readers how to write correspondence such as emails, letters, memos, and reports. The book shows how to write professional, persuasive and powerful messages that achieve goals. chapters explore fundamentals such as conveying a clear message, summarizing and emphasizing key points, following grammatical conventions, and making the best use of limited space. the guide also provides a formula for the writing process. The HBR Guide to Better Business Writing is a masterclass in writing for work that can help professionals at any level improve their skills.
starred quote: “many people start writing before they know what they’re trying to accomplish. as a result, your readers don’t know where to focus their attention or what they’re supposed to do with the message. so much depends on your purpose when writing you should fix it firmly in your mind. what do you want the result to be?”
read the hbr guide to better business writing.
14. talking to strangers: what we need to know about people we don’t know by malcolm gladwell
talking to strangers is an exploration of the conclusions we draw about strangers and the ways these judgments influence our interactions. the book is a fascinating case study of assumption and interpersonal conflict. In typical Malcolm Gladwell style, the book presents a series of case studies from contemporary history and explores the underlying psychology and underpinnings of a series of events. The book shows how the initial ideas we form about strangers can enable the other party’s actions and guide our own behavior. Reading the other person is a big part of communication, and Gladwell exposes how often we misread conversation partners and the results that can result from these misunderstandings. talking to strangers is a useful aid in overcoming prejudice and attempting more honest communication.
notable quote: “the conviction that we know others better than they know us, and that we can have knowledge about them that they lack (but not the other way around), leads us to speak up when we would well to listen and be less patient than we should be when others express the conviction that they are the ones being misunderstood or unfairly judged.”
read talk to strangers.
15. the art of communicating by thich nhat hanh
the art of communication is a guide to a compassionate conversation. monk and mindfulness expert who covers topics such as self-talk, empathic listening, and mindful communication at work. The strategies and best practices in the book aim to help people have more meaningful conversations that spark and strengthen authentic connections. several chapters focus on conversation in the workplace and how to avoid negative and toxic discussions both internally and externally. As the modern workforce demands ever-increasing levels of humanity in the corporate world, the art of communication is a valuable resource for professionals who yearn for a more candid, friendly, and open discussion.
notable quote: “once you can communicate with yourself, you will be able to communicate with the outside more clearly. the entrance is the exit.”
read the art of communicating.
final thoughts
Communication is one of the most important parts of business, yet many professionals struggle with the art. practice is more than exchanging words and information. workplace communication is about delivering messages concisely and compellingly and engaging listeners. Communication books can help readers avoid misunderstandings, capture and hold attention, and become more confident when speaking in the workplace. these guides improve teamwork and help professionals achieve more positive results in conversations.
For more book suggestions, check out this list of focus books and check out this list of communication games and activities.
faq: communication books
here are answers to common questions about communication books.
what are communication books?
Communication books are guides that teach readers how to have more productive conversations both verbally and in writing. These guides cover topics like public speaking, reading body language, listening, and getting others to listen.
what are some good communication books for work?
Some good work communication books include Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Say What You Mean by Oren Jay Sofer, and Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott.
what books help improve communication skills?
Books that help improve communication skills include Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo, Communication Skills Training by Ian Tuhovsky, and Simply Said by Jay Sullivan.
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