Quick Summary:
- Verbal communication includes tone, words, expressions, and listening.
- Key skills include clarity, tone of voice, active listening, and body language.
- Barriers include cultural gaps, emotions, and poor environments.
- Practice builds confidence and effectiveness.
If you’ve ever wondered why some people just click in conversations—whether in meetings, interviews, or everyday chats—it’s not magic but the art of communication skills, especially verbal communication skills at work. These skills are about much more than just “talking.” They include tone of voice, body language, active listening, and the ability to build rapport. Verbal communication is one of the key soft skills that determine how effectively you connect with others, be it in your relationships, your career, or public speaking.
And here’s the good news: these skills can be learned and improved by anyone.
What Are Verbal Communication Skills?
At its core, verbal communication means using spoken words to express thoughts, feelings, and information. But real mastery involves how you say it, not just what you say.
Verbal communication includes:
According to a 7-38-55 communication model by Dr. Albert Mehrabian (UCLA), only 7% of a message is conveyed through actual words, 38% through tone, and 55% through body language. That’s why verbal and nonverbal communication always go hand-in-hand.
Why Verbal Communication Skills Matter?
In Personal Life:
When you speak with empathy, maintain eye contact, and genuinely listen, it helps to create trust and emotional connection. Think about it: a friend who really listens and communicates warmly instantly becomes more reliable and relatable.
In Professional Life:
According to the Corporate Recruiters Survey – 2024 by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) shows that 57% of employers rank effective communication skills as the top or second trait they look for in candidates after problem-solving skills.
Whether you’re leading a team, resolving conflicts, or just sharing ideas in a meeting, your ability to express yourself clearly can shape how others see your competence and confidence.
Common Problems People Face
Even with good intentions, many people struggle with expressing themselves verbally. Here are a few things that get in the way:
| Barrier | What Happens |
| Emotional interference | Anxiety, anger, or fear can block clear expression |
| Cultural or language differences | Idioms and slang can confuse listeners from different backgrounds |
| Poor listening habits | Interrupting or zoning out causes misunderstandings |
| Weak body language | Fidgeting, crossed arms, or a lack of eye contact reduce message strength |
If you’ve faced any of these, don’t worry—verbal communication is a skill, not a talent. You can train it.
How to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills
Let’s break this down into practical, psychology-backed steps.
1. Practice Active Listening
Yes, speaking is half the battle—but listening is the other half. Active listening means you’re not just waiting to talk. You’re tuned in to understand.
Try this:
- Nod or say “I see” to show you’re engaged
- Repeat back part of what was said (paraphrasing)
- Ask open-ended questions like “What happened next?”
Harvard Business Review highlights active listening as a top skill in leadership. It helps reduce tension and builds collaboration.
2. Improve Your Tone and Delivery
Your tone of voice affects whether your message is taken as kind, sarcastic, or dismissive—even if your words are neutral.
Try this:
- Record yourself reading a story aloud to notice your natural tone
- Practice saying the same sentence in different emotional tones
- Smile when speaking—it softens your tone naturally
Research from Yale University by Michael W. Kraus shows that tone directly influences emotional interpretation, especially in high-stakes communication.
3. Work on Nonverbal Cues
Nonverbal communication supports verbal delivery. You can say “I’m happy for you,” but your facial expressions and body language need to match—or the message won’t land.
Watch out for:
- Eye contact (not staring, just consistent connection)
- Relaxed but confident posture
- Expressive facial movements that match your tone
Remember: your body speaks even when your mouth doesn’t.
4. Expand Your Vocabulary (But Keep It Natural)
You don’t need to sound like a professor, but having a wider range of words helps you communicate more precisely and clearly.
Try this:
- Read different genres—news, fiction, psychology blogs
- Learn 1–2 new words each week
- Practice using them in real conversations
According to a University of Cambridge study, vocabulary depth is linked to stronger cognitive flexibility and verbal expression.
5. Build Confidence with Public Speaking
If speaking in front of others makes your hands sweat, you’re not alone. But it’s a muscle. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Where to practice:
- Join local speaking clubs like Toastmasters
- Start a YouTube or podcast where you speak on topics you love
- Volunteer to present at school or work
Bonus tip: always prepare 3 key points and a strong closing sentence to keep your talk focused.
Bonus: Tips for Practicing Communication in Different Contexts
| Context | Communication Strategy |
|---|---|
| Workplace | Be clear and concise in emails and meetings. Summarize points. |
| Social events | Ask genuine questions. Use stories to connect. |
| One-on-one | Maintain eye contact. Listen fully. Avoid multitasking. |
| Interviews | Structure answers with clarity. Use the STAR method. |
Final Thoughts
Improving your verbal communication isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being effective. You want to be understood, build rapport, and respond in a way that keeps the connection going.
Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for clarity, warmth, and presence. Whether you’re in a one-on-one, leading a team, or making new friends, these are the skills that make you memorable and trustworthy.
And remember, improving your verbal communication is a journey. Keep learning, practicing, and reflecting. Every conversation is a chance to get better.