How to communicate better FAQs

Can communication skills really be improved?

Your communication can absolutely be improved. Communication is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned and practiced. No one’s born knowing how to perfectly navigate a hard conversation. Most of us were just taught survival communication, like keeping the peace and speaking only when spoken to. 

If you struggle with speaking up or staying present during conflict, remind yourself that you can build from there and get better with time.

How can I communicate better if I’m shy or introverted?

Some people think being introverted means you’re bad at communication, but it actually usually just means that you think deeply before you speak, which can be a huge strength. 

If you’re introverted, give yourself permission to take up space in a way that feels natural to you. One way you could do this is to express yourself in writing first. This could help you gather your thoughts. You could also say, “I’ve been thinking about something, and I might need a minute or two to find the right words.” You don’t have to change who you are to communicate better — just try to honor it and work with it.

Why do I struggle to communicate with others?

Struggling to communicate with others most likely means you’ve had to navigate environments where communication wasn’t safe or modeled in a healthy way. 

You could’ve been raised in a home where emotions were avoided, or you might’ve been in a workplace that thrived on passive-aggressive email chains. Whatever the reason, this could make expressing yourself feel a little confusing, risky, or even draining. 

If you’re currently struggling to communicate, try to remind yourself that this isn’t a permanent state. This is just your nervous system telling you that it feels a little unfamiliar at the moment. With practice and maybe some healing, it’s possible for your communication to get easier.

What are the 5 C’s of communication?

Usually, the 5 C’s stand for Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, and Courteous. These C’s can be useful, but real-life connections typically need more than textbook efficiency. 

You could say all the right things, but if you’re not emotionally present, you could still miss the mark. Another C to add to this list to help you be a good communicator is Curiosity because it invites depth and actual understanding, not just soundbites.

How do you fix a lack of communication in a relationship?

To help improve communication in a relationship, the first step you should take is to name it — gently and without blame. You could say something like, “Hey, I feel like we haven’t been connecting lately. I miss talking with you.” This can go a long way. 

After you’ve named it, try to carve out time and space to reengage without distractions or pressure to “solve” everything at once. Sometimes, the lack isn’t about love or effort, it’s about schedule overload, stress, or just emotional fatigue. 

Trying to fix your communication usually means choosing to reconnect a little at a time and building back trust through consistent and low-stakes check-ins. You can think of it like tending to a garden and nurturing your communication with slow, steady, and intentional care.