20 Books on Communication in the Workplace That You Need to Read

Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by Career Reload Team

Are you feeling lost when it comes to improving your communication skills in the workplace? In today’s fast-paced work environment, effective communication skills are more critical than ever, yet they seem harder and harder to achieve. How are you supposed to master communication in the workplace in a world of Zoom calls, remote work, and ambiguous text messaging? Where do you even begin? In this article, I’ll recommend my top 20 books on communication that will make you a powerful communicator in the workplace. Let’s get started.

20 Books on Communication in the Workplace to Inspire Success

1. Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

This book teaches readers how to handle high-stakes conversations with confidence and skill.

It’s perfect for anyone who struggles with conflict resolution or has trouble speaking up in difficult situations, and it provides practical advice on how to handle high-stakes conversations with confidence and skill.

Readers praise the book for its clear and actionable tips, and many say it has helped them to improve their communication skills in both personal and professional settings.

2. Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen

This book focuses on how to have tough conversations with colleagues, bosses, and employees.

It provides practical advice on how to stay calm under pressure and find common ground.

Readers appreciate the book’s real-world examples and find it to be a valuable resource for navigating difficult conversations.

3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

A classic that’s still relevant today.

This book offers timeless advice on how to communicate effectively, build relationships, and be a more influential leader.

This book is known for its practical tips and easy-to-follow advice, and many readers say it has helped them to become more successful in both their personal and professional lives.

4. Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo

For those who want to improve their public speaking skills, I recommend Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo.

This book offers insights from some of the most successful TED speakers, and it provides practical tips on how to craft a compelling presentation.

Readers appreciate the book’s engaging style and find it to be a helpful resource for improving their public speaking skills.

5. Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg

A must-read for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills in all areas of life.

This book teaches readers how to communicate with empathy and compassion, and it provides tools for resolving conflicts peacefully.

It’s often praised for its clear and practical advice, and many say it has helped them to improve their relationships with others.

6. Crucial Accountability by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

This is a follow-up to Crucial Conversations.

It teaches readers how to hold others accountable while still maintaining positive relationships, and it’s best for those who want to improve their leadership skills and become more effective managers.

I’ve heard readers rave about the book’s clear and actionable advice and find it to be a valuable resource for improving their communication skills in the workplace.

7. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

This book offers insights into how to influence others and make effective decisions through six universal principles of persuasion.

It’s best for those who want to improve their negotiation and persuasion skills.

This book is praised for its practical tips and easy-to-understand concepts, and readers say it helped them to become more successful in their personal and professional lives.

8. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White

This book provides insights on how people give and receive appreciation in the workplace, and offers practical advice on how to communicate in a way that makes your colleagues feel valued.

This book is known for its easy-to-understand concepts, and it’s a helpful resource for improving relationships with coworkers.

9. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

A practical guide for managers on how to balance being both caring and honest with their employees.

Readers have praised Radical Candor for its practical advice and relatable anecdotes. It has been recommended for anyone in a leadership role, regardless of industry or level of experience.

The book has helped its audience improve communication skills and build stronger relationships with colleagues.

10. Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen

This book teaches readers to receive feedback effectively and how to use it to improve their work performance.

This book takes a spiritual approach to communication, emphasizing the importance of deep listening and mindful speech.

It provides practical techniques for cultivating compassionate communication in all areas of life, from personal relationships to work interactions.

This book is best for those who want to improve their communication skills from a spiritual perspective.

Readers have found Thanks for the Feedback insightful and practical, providing useful techniques for managing feedback and improving communication.

I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their communication skills, especially those who struggle with receiving feedback.

11. The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Art of Communicating offers a Buddhist perspective on communication, teaching readers how to listen deeply, speak truthfully, and connect with others.

Readers have praised The Art of Communicating for its simple yet profound teachings on communication and mindfulness.

It’s not only a helpful book for improving your communication skills, but also to deepen your connection with others and the world around you.

12. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by John C. Maxwell

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently provides practical advice on how to build strong connections with others through effective communication.

Readers have found this to be an engaging and insightful read, providing practical tips for improving communication skills.

It has been recommended for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and build stronger connections with others.

13. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss

A practical guide on how to negotiate effectively, using real-life examples from the author’s experience as a hostage negotiator for the FBI.

Readers have found this book to be an engaging and informative read, providing practical tips and techniques for negotiating effectively.

This book is great for anyone who wants to improve their negotiation skills, regardless of industry or experience level.

14. The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism by Olivia Fox Cabane

The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism offers insights into how to build charisma and connect with others on a deeper level.

The author shares techniques and exercises for developing the qualities of charisma, such as presence, power, and warmth.

15. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes

This book offers practical tips and tricks for building strong relationships through effective communication.

It covers topics like how to make a great first impression, how to start and maintain a conversation, how to be a good listener, and how to navigate difficult conversations.

This book is practical and easy to read, with plenty of actionable tips for improving communication skills. It’s best for anyone who wants to improve their interpersonal communication skills, whether for personal or professional reasons.

16. The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better by Will Storr

The Science of Storytelling offers insights into the psychology of storytelling and teaches readers how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with others.

It covers topics like the structure of a great story, the importance of emotion, and the power of metaphor.

This book is engaging and informative, with plenty of practical tips for improving storytelling skills. This book is best for anyone who wants to improve their storytelling abilities.

17. Talk to Me: How to Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, and Interview Anyone Like a Pro by Dean Nelson

Talk to Me provides practical advice on how to ask effective questions and become a better listener.

It covers topics like how to prepare for an interview, how to ask open-ended questions, and how to navigate difficult conversations.

This book is informative and well-organized, with plenty of actionable tips for improving communication skills. It’s best for anyone who wants to improve their interviewing skills.

18. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now offers insights into how to be more present and mindful in our interactions with others, leading to more meaningful and effective communication.

It covers topics like the nature of consciousness, the ego, and the present moment.

This book is a transformative one, with many readers reporting improved relationships and communication skills as a result of practicing the principles in the book.

This book is best for anyone interested in mindfulness and spirituality and wants to improve their communication skills as a result.

19. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury

Getting to Yes offers advice on effective negotiation and reaching mutually beneficial agreements with others. It covers the importance of separating people from the problem, focusing on interests rather than positions, and generating options for mutual gain.

This book is praised for its practicality and insightfulness, with plenty of actionable tips for improving negotiation skills.

20. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman and Nan Silver

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work offers insights into communicating effectively in intimate relationships, and provides practical advice for building strong and healthy partnerships.

It covers topics like:

• The importance of emotional attunement
• Turning toward each other instead of away
• Managing conflict

Readers found the book to be practical and transformative, with many reporting improved communication and relationship skills as a result of practicing the principles in the book.

Transform Your Communication in the Workplace With These Recommendations

Effective communication is a critical skill for success in the workplace.

Whether you’re a manager, an employee, or a business owner, being able to communicate clearly and effectively can help you achieve your goals and build stronger relationships with your colleagues and clients.

Reading the books on this list can help you gain valuable insights and practical strategies for improving your communication skills.

But reading books is just the first step. To truly transform your communication in the workplace, you need to apply what you learn from these books in your daily work life.

Take some time to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned from these books, and think about how you can apply them to your work environment.

With the right mindset and a willingness to learn, you can become a more effective communicator and achieve greater success in your professional life.