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Best Books on Communication for 2022

Published: April 5, 2022 Updated: May 11, 2022
Published: 04/05/2022 Updated: 05/11/2022
Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication1.
  • How To Start A Conversation and Make Friends 2.
  • Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know3.
  • Four Essential Keys to Effective Communication in Love, Life, Work—Anywhere!4.
  • Here to Make Friends: How to Make Friends as an Adult6.
  • What to Say Next: Successful Communication in Work, Life, and Love—with Autism Spectrum Disorder7.
  • The Five Keys to Mindful Communication8.
  • How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships9.
  • How to Instantly Connect with Anyone10.
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP

Friends, partners, coworkers, even children – we communicate with different people every day. Despite this, not everyone knows how to talk to others, especially in stressful or tense situations. From learning how to talk about emotional needs to a partner to establishing boundaries in work environments, many authors have given great advice for communicating well.

For our audience’s convenience, we include links to Amazon so recommended books can be easily purchased. Choosing Therapy may earn a commission from Amazon when purchases are made using the links on this page. Read more about our high editorial standards and advertising policy.

Here are 10 books for becoming a better communicator:

Say What You Mean1. Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication

It’s easy to get lost in conversation, especially when dealing with tough topics. You may have very specific things you wish to discuss, but other topics, someone’s responses, or even your own emotions can get in the way. Learning to navigate those responses, both of yourself and others, is how you make sure you’re adequately communicating what you need to.

This book outlines exactly how to do that, with advice on remaining confident during difficult conversations, understanding others, and more.

How To Start A Conversation and Make Friends2. How To Start A Conversation and Make Friends

For some, making friends is easy. For others, especially those with social anxiety, it can be awkward and difficult. If you struggle with small talk, both online and in-person, then you’ll appreciate this simple guide. Learn to ask the right questions, find your conversation type, and make lasting connections that don’t feel forced.

Talking to Strangers3. Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know

At some point we stopped talking to strangers, and author Malcolm Gladwell argues that it has become a problem. Our ability to understand those we don’t talk to has faltered, so trying to make sense of them in our limited way ends up doing more harm than good.

This take through history isn’t exactly about how to communicate, but rather, why talking to others, especially strangers, impacts our society in major ways.

Four Essential Keys to Effective Communication4. Four Essential Keys to Effective Communication in Love, Life, Work—Anywhere!

If you’re looking for a concise read on bettering your communication skills quickly, then this book is for you. It includes easy tips and advice on managing difficult conversations, listening with empathy, and getting to the root of the issue. These universal skills aren’t just for couples in conflict or parents. Communication skills affect every aspect of your life, and this guide better equips you with the tools you need to communicate effectively with anyone.

Dare to Lead5. Dare to Lead

Brene Brown’s open call to vulnerability isn’t just for mental health conversations or self-help books, though the overlap is undeniable. And while this book isn’t about communication exactly, it is about what happens when leaders, both big and small, consider vulnerability in their business practices. Leaning into those tough conversations, Brown writes, is how strong leaders become great.

This book is good for those looking for ways to deepen their connections with others in a professional setting.

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Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health & wellness companies and is compensated for referrals by the company mentioned above.

Here to Make Friends6. Here to Make Friends: How to Make Friends as an Adult

Communication is the key to making friends, but how do you do that when you struggle to get past small talk? How do you create meaningful relationships with others when it seems impossible to connect past chit-chat?

This helpful guide is for those looking specifically to make impactful, fulfilling friendships with others, especially adults.

What to Say Next7. What to Say Next: Successful Communication in Work, Life, and Love—with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autistic individuals might miss contextual clues in conversations with others or misunderstand colloquial or metaphorical sayings, making it difficult to communicate in professional or personal environments. This book, written by an autistic author, offers insight, advice, and empathy for those looking to better understand themselves and others.

The Five Keys to Mindful Communication8. The Five Keys to Mindful Communication

This therapist-written book focuses on how mindfulness, the act of non-judgmental awareness and listening, can be used to talk to our spouses, our friends, and more. It helps foster empathy and connection, and creates space for needs to be met and concerns to be heard.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for anxiety, which can come up a lot in tough conversations. This book outlines how to use it effectively so you’re not only effectively communicating but also listening well.

How to Talk to Anyone9. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

These snappy, bite-sized tips and tricks are perfect for anyone who wants to jump right into bettering their communication skills at work or with family. It includes mastering small talk, making great first impressions, and commanding a room’s attention.

How to Instantly Connect with Anyone10. How to Instantly Connect with Anyone

If you appreciated Leil Lowndes’ style in her previous book, then you’ll probably enjoy this book. This book is great for those who maybe are fine with small talk, but struggle to make deeper connections beyond weather and family chats. While tailored slightly more to the business side of communication, it can still prove to be a valuable tool for anyone looking for ways to go deeper in conversations.

When to See a Therapist

If you’re constantly feeling misunderstood or have difficulty voicing your emotions in conversations, consider talking to a therapist. They can offer guidance and actionable advice for common situations, as well as provide a game plan the next time a tough conversation comes up. If you’re considering seeing a therapist, start here.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp Online Therapy – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Talkspace Online Therapy – Online therapy is convenient with Talkspace. Get therapy for as little as $69 per week, or potentially much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is committed to your wellbeing. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Mindfulness & Meditation App – Headspace is an easy way to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine. See for yourself how a few minutes each day can impact your stress levels, mood, and sleep. A monthly subscription for Headspace is only $12.99 per month and comes with a 7-day free trial. Try Headspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

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Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication1.
  • How To Start A Conversation and Make Friends 2.
  • Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know3.
  • Four Essential Keys to Effective Communication in Love, Life, Work—Anywhere!4.
  • Here to Make Friends: How to Make Friends as an Adult6.
  • What to Say Next: Successful Communication in Work, Life, and Love—with Autism Spectrum Disorder7.
  • The Five Keys to Mindful Communication8.
  • How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships9.
  • How to Instantly Connect with Anyone10.
  • Additional ResourcesResources
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