15 Best Books on Communication

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.

Here are 15 books for becoming a better communicator:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. It’s the Way You Say It: Becoming Articulate, Well-Spoken, and Clear

It’s the Way You Say It by Carol A. Fleming, PhD, conveys the most direct way to express your expertise, knowledge, and personality – talking to others! The problem is, most people have no idea what they really sound like during a conversation. Or, if they do, they may not think they can change it. This guide helps readers become more aware of their communication style and take back control of the elements they want to adjust.

Dr. Fleming covers topics like speech problems, body language, vocal patterns, grammar and vocabulary to increase clarity, and how to conquer stage fright and other public speaking jitters. One section focuses entirely on communication in the workplace, including how to handle emails, voicemails, interviews, and presentations.

12. The Elevated Communicator: How to Master Your Style and Strengthen Well-Being at Work

For anyone who wants to master their communication style in order to build more trusting relationships, strengthen the quality of collaborations, and actually relieve stress, The Elevated Communicator can help. Author Maryanne O’Brien understands that life revolves around communication – at work and at home. According to her, the key to developing your understanding of how to communicate is to bring your “whole and authentic selves” to every interaction.

Using more than a decade of research, O’Brien shares her proprietary model of communication styles: Expressive; Reserved; Direct; or Harmonious. This book will help you learn your style, become more self-aware, and play into your strengths.

13. How to Listen with Intention: The Foundation of True Connection, Communication, and Relationships

Communicating isn’t just about expressing ourselves; it’s about learning how to listen well. If you can listen, you can make someone feel seen and heard, connecting with them on a deeper level and perhaps even becoming a friend. At its core, How to Listen With Intention is about relationships. Author Patrick King asks the tough questions, helps readers assess their emotional intelligence, and teaches them how to understand what people mean beneath their words.

Reviewers say, “If you want to improve the quality of your relationships, understand conflict resolution, hear people’s deepest desires, and jump into people’s inner circles, this book is for you.” While it stands alone, it is also part of a series called How to Be More Likable and Charismatic.

14. Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear

Author and communications expert Dr. Frank Luntz uses Words that Work as a medium to share his wisdom on the power of speech and words to get us what we want. In his opinion, if we can change how we use our words – like tools in a toolbox – we can change the course of politics, business, and life in general. He gives readers a look at specific phrases to use and avoid, explaining why choosing the right verbiage is so important. Specific chapters to look forward to include, “The Ten Rules of Successful Communication” and “21 Words and Phrases for the 21st Century.”

15. Conscious Communications: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Harnessing the Power of Your Words to Change Your Mind, Your Choices, and Your Life

Statements like “I can’t,” or “I’m not good enough” will only get us into trouble. Author of Conscious Communications, Mary Shores, knows the profound effect of a negative inner and outer dialogue. After gathering research and reflecting on personal experience, she crafted this book with step-by-step directions to transform your life with more positive, conscious communication.

Shores gives readers new ways to align their thoughts, words, and actions, and create new neural pathways in the brain – simply by switching up the language they use! Conscious Communications will help people understand the impact of their words, as well as how to use meaningful conversations to transform and improve their reality.

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.