Why Improving Your Communication Skills Is the Ultimate Career Power Move in 2025—And Why You’re Probably Approaching It All Wrong

In today’s workforce, your career success hinges on more than just technical know-how or a great work ethic. Instead, it often comes down to how well you communicate. Yet, many professionals see communication as a “soft skill” that’s secondary to job-specific expertise.

The reality? Communication is one of the most decisive factors in building influence, fostering collaboration, and advancing in your career. But here’s the catch: many people are still improving their communication skills the wrong way.

Why Communication Skills Are Career Critical in 2025

Let’s start with the obvious: communication is essential. However, in the post-pandemic, hybrid world of work, communication skills are more important—and complex—than ever before. Here are three reasons why they can make or break your career trajectory.

1. Hybrid Work Requires Clear, Adaptive Communication: Remote and hybrid work environments require asynchronous communication across emails, messaging apps, and virtual meetings. Success in this environment depends on communicating ideas and expectations clearly, which demands an adaptive communication style that few people naturally master.
2. Career Growth Depends on Self-Advocacy and Influence: Getting a promotion often requires more than hitting performance metrics; it requires you to advocate for yourself and make your achievements known. Knowing how to frame your accomplishments, present your ideas, and engage in persuasive conversations can significantly impact your growth.
3. Emotional Intelligence and Relationship-Building Are Key: Data shows that people who build strong relationships at work are more likely to enjoy job satisfaction, higher performance, and promotion opportunities. Communication skills are the foundation for building trust, empathy, and rapport across teams and departments.

The Counterintuitive Truth About Improving Communication Skills

Most people think improving communication is about becoming more articulate, assertive, or confident. But these qualities, while valuable, don’t address the core issues that lead to impactful communication. Here’s what experts say you should focus on instead:

1. Prioritize Listening Over Speaking

According to Dr. Elaine Taylor, a psychologist and communication expert, listening is the most underrated communication skill—yet it’s the one that differentiates good communicators from great ones. “Most people focus on getting their own points across, but fail to recognize that real influence comes from understanding others’ perspectives and responding accordingly,” says Dr. Taylor.

How to Apply This: In your next meeting, challenge yourself to listen intently without formulating a response until the other person is done speaking. Reflect back what they’ve said to confirm your understanding. This simple shift fosters trust and gives you a better foundation for responding meaningfully.

2. Embrace Clarity Over Eloquence

Seth Warren, a U.S.-based HR strategist, says that many employees mistake eloquent speech with effective communication. “We see people who are skilled at speaking elegantly, but that doesn’t always mean they’re understood,” Warren explains. “In today’s fast-paced work environment, clarity is king.”

How to Apply This: Practice summarizing your main points before delivering them. Use short sentences and avoid jargon. If you’re speaking in a meeting, consider saying, “Here are the three main points I want you to take away.” Being clear doesn’t just save time; it ensures your message is understood without endless follow-up questions.

3. Use Empathy as Your Communication Guide

Empathy is another often-overlooked aspect of powerful communication. Psychologist and leadership consultant, Dr. Maria Reyes, believes that showing empathy changes the tone of interactions, making others more receptive to what you’re saying. “When you consider the emotions and motivations of the person you’re speaking to, you communicate in a way that resonates on a deeper level,” says Dr. Reyes.

How to Apply This: Before sending an email or joining a meeting, consider the perspective of the recipient or listener. What might they be concerned about? How could your message make them feel? Craft your communication to address their emotions as much as their logical understanding.

4. Don’t Just ‘Network’—Follow Up and Build Genuine Connections

Building relationships is essential, yet most professionals treat networking as a one-time interaction. Kerry Wells, an employment expert and career coach, advises that networking is only the first step. “True career growth comes from fostering ongoing, meaningful connections,” says Wells. “Instead of focusing on expanding your network, focus on deepening it.”

How to Apply This: Follow up with people after initial meetings, show interest in their projects, or share relevant articles that align with their goals. When you build genuine relationships, your network becomes a source of support and opportunity.

Practical Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills in the Workplace

Whether you’re presenting to a client, pitching an idea to your boss, or trying to connect with your team, effective communication requires practice and strategy. Here are some practical steps:

• Record and Review: If you frequently lead presentations or meetings, record yourself (with permission, of course) and review the footage to assess your tone, clarity, and engagement.
• Seek Feedback: After a significant conversation or presentation, ask a trusted colleague for feedback on what you did well and where you could improve. Constructive feedback can be invaluable in highlighting blind spots.
• Practice “Mini-Reflections”: At the end of each day, reflect on one communication experience you had. Ask yourself what went well, what didn’t, and how you could improve next time.
• Schedule “Talk Time” for Building Rapport: Don’t always jump straight into business in your conversations. Take a moment to ask about the other person’s day or share something personal. Building rapport helps ease future communication and fosters collaboration.

Mastering communication in 2025 isn’t about becoming the most polished speaker in the room; it’s about building understanding, trust, and influence with those around you. By focusing on skills like listening, empathy, and clarity, you can establish yourself as a credible, trusted voice in your career. After all, true success lies in how effectively you connect with others, not just in what you say.

Author Bio:

Nikki Wheeler is the founder of Working Dog Media and a dynamic corporate affairs professional with over 25 years of experience in technology communications. She specializes in public and media relations, executive communications, and content creation, with a proven track record of supporting senior executives in high-profile external communication opportunities and crafting strategic communication strategies for global technology companies. Nikki excels at translating complex technical topics into compelling narratives for diverse audiences and leading cross-functional teams to drive brand awareness and product visibility. In addition to her corporate achievements, she is an optioned screenwriter, director, and producer. Learn more at?WorkingDogMedia.com .