Last updated: 13 October 2026. Workplace norms vary by organisation and culture. We rewrote this guide and removed generic statistics we could not source.
Technical skills get you shortlisted, but communication often decides who gets promoted, who is trusted with clients and who is quietly overlooked. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report lists leadership and social influence, and resilience, flexibility and agility, among the core skills employers want most, and clear communication sits underneath both. The good news is that it can be learned.
1. Listening
Listening is the most neglected skill. It means giving your full attention, not preparing your reply while the other person talks. Nod, ask short follow-up questions and repeat back what you heard: “So you need the report by Thursday, and it should include last quarter’s numbers?” This catches misunderstandings before they become mistakes.
2. Writing clearly
Most work communication is now written. Lead with the point, use short sentences and put one idea in each paragraph. Remove filler words and unclear phrases. Before you send anything important, read it aloud, and ask whether a busy person could understand it in thirty seconds.
3. Speaking
A simple structure works almost everywhere: state your point, give the reason and add an example. Speak at a steady pace, avoid long stories and pause rather than fill silence with “um”. Prepare your first sentence for presentations and interviews, because a confident start settles nerves. See our guides on interview questions and interview tips.
4. Email, chat and WhatsApp
- Write a specific subject line, such as “Approval needed by Friday: vendor contract”.
- Greet the person, state the purpose in the first line and end with a clear request or next step.
- Keep work chats on work topics, and avoid sending voice notes when a short text will do.
- Do not send sensitive information or personal data over casual messaging, and check the recipient before you hit send.
- Use professional language and tone, even when messaging a friend at work.
5. Giving and receiving feedback
Good feedback is specific, timely and about the work, not the person: “The table in section three has two figures that do not match, can you check them?” works better than “You are careless”. When you receive feedback, listen first, ask for examples and say thank you. You can disagree politely later, once you have considered it.
6. Meetings
- Know the purpose and prepare your contribution.
- Arrive on time, and keep your phone away.
- Speak briefly, and invite quieter people to share.
- End by summarising decisions, owners and deadlines.
7. Remote and cross-cultural communication
About 17 in every 100 Nigerian jobs are remote, according to the Intel workplace report cited by MyJobMag, so many people now work with colleagues and clients they rarely meet. Over-communicate on progress, confirm deadlines in writing, mind time zones and be careful with humour and idioms that may not travel. If your client is abroad, aim for plain, polite English and clear deliverables. See our guide to the advantages of remote work.
Nigerian workplace tips
- Greet people properly. Respect for seniority matters in many workplaces, but do not let it stop you from raising problems early and politely.
- Be direct but kind. Say what you need, by when and why.
- Be careful with gossip and group chats, which can travel further than you expect.
- Keep a written record of agreements, especially on money, scope and deadlines.
Common mistakes
- Long emails with no clear request.
- Answering emotionally in writing. Wait an hour, then reply.
- Interrupting, or finishing other people’s sentences.
- Saying “yes” when you mean “I will try”. Be honest about what you can deliver.
Build the rest of your toolkit with our guides on skills in demand and the digital skills checklist.
Everyday Workplace Writing
- Messages: state your point in the first line, add the details, and say what you need and by when.
- Emails: use a clear subject line, a polite greeting, short paragraphs and a sign-off with your name and contact.
- WhatsApp at work: keep it professional, avoid voice notes for important instructions and confirm key decisions in writing.
Speaking and Presenting
- Start with the point, then give two or three supporting reasons.
- Use simple words and short sentences, and pause between points.
- Prepare for questions, and say “I will find out and get back to you” when you do not know.
Listening and Feedback
- Let people finish, and repeat back what you heard before you respond.
- Ask open questions such as “What would help here?”
- Take feedback without defending, and ask for an example so you can act on it.
Handling Disagreements
Focus on the problem, not the person, and describe the effect of the behaviour you want to change. Agree on one next step, and follow up in writing. Employers consistently value communication, problem-solving and adaptability, so practising them improves your job prospects. See our guides on interview preparation and career tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important communication skills at work?
Listening, clear writing, structured speaking, professional email and chat, feedback and running or contributing to meetings.
How can I improve my English communication?
Read widely, write daily, speak with others, ask for feedback and replace complex words with simple ones.
How do I handle shyness?
Prepare, start with small groups, and focus on being useful rather than perfect.
