Communication Skills

On Breni, Communication Skills is a path for everyday speaking, listening and writing, at work and in daily life. It has 8 courses: how communication works, listening, speaking clearly, body language, writing at work, difficult conversations, groups, and persuasion. Learners finish able to listen actively, explain ideas briefly, write emails that get replies and disagree without damaging relationships. Formal speeches are left to the Public Speaking path. Listening is taught before speaking, and the courses unlock one after the other.

  • 8 courses
  • 18 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

  • Paraphrase and summarise what someone said to check understanding
  • Explain an idea in three clear points without rambling
  • Write a work email that leads with the request and gets a reply
  • Say no or disagree politely while keeping the relationship
  • Prepare for and hold a difficult conversation using a simple plan
  • Speak up in a meeting and keep a short meeting on track

Full curriculum

Part 1 · Core skills

1. How Communication Works: Core Skills

Explain what makes a message land or get lost. Units, in order: Sender, message and receiver; Verbal and non-verbal communication; Common barriers; Context and culture; Assertive, passive and aggressive styles.

  • — Sender, Message, and Receiver
    Learn how messages move from person to person.
    • The Sender's Role
    • Crafting the Message
    • The Receiver's Role
    • The Feedback Loop
  • — Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues
    Explore words, tone, and body language in daily talks.
    • Spoken Words
    • Voice Tone and Pitch
    • Body Language Basics
    • Aligning Words and Actions
  • — Common Communication Barriers
    Identify what causes messages to get lost or misunderstood.
    • Physical Noise
    • Emotional Blocks
    • Language and Jargon
    • Assumptions and Biases
  • — Context and Culture
    Understand how surroundings and background shape shared meaning.
    • The Role of Context
    • Cultural Differences
    • Adapting Your Message
  • — Communication Styles
    Compare passive, aggressive, and assertive ways of speaking.
    • Passive Style
    • Aggressive Style
    • Assertive Style

2. Listening Skills

Listen so people feel understood and you catch what matters. Units, in order: Active listening; Asking open questions; Paraphrasing and summarising; Listening without interrupting; Noticing what is not said.

3. Speaking Clearly

Explain ideas clearly and briefly in conversation. Units, in order: Getting to the point; Structuring what you say; Choosing plain words; Tone of voice; Checking you were understood; Explaining something complex simply.

Part 2 · Everyday situations

4. Body Language

Read and use non-verbal signals. Units, in order: Eye contact; Posture and gestures; Facial expressions; Personal space; Reading mixed signals; Body language on video calls.

5. Writing at Work

Write emails and messages that get read and answered. Units, in order: Clear email subject lines; Leading with the request; Short messages in chat apps; Tone in writing; Proofreading before you send; Writing a clear update or report.

6. Difficult Conversations

Handle disagreement and hard conversations calmly. Units, in order: Preparing for a hard conversation; Saying no politely; Disagreeing without arguing; Apologising well; Resolving conflict.

Part 3 · Groups and influence

7. Communicating in Groups

Speak up and work well in meetings and teams. Units, in order: Speaking up in meetings; Running a short meeting; Video calls; Communicating across cultures; Networking conversations.

8. Persuasion and Influence

Make a case that people find convincing in everyday talk. Units, in order: Understanding what the other person needs; Framing a request; Using evidence and stories; Negotiating a simple agreement; Influencing without authority.

Sample: How Communication Works: Core Skills

The opening tier, (Sender, Message, and Receiver). Learn how messages move from person to person.

The Sender's Role

The sender creates the idea and shares the message.

Crafting the Message

The message is the core idea you want to send.

The Receiver's Role

The receiver gets the message and interprets its meaning.

The Feedback Loop

Feedback tells the sender if the message landed well.

Questions about Communication Skills

How can I improve my communication skills?

Practise listening first, then keep what you say short and structured. Communication Skills on Breni works through each skill in a separate course.

What are the main types of communication?

Verbal, non-verbal, written and visual. The path covers the first three in depth.

Is this the same as a public speaking course?

No. This path is about conversations, emails and meetings, while Public Speaking covers presenting to an audience.

Do communication skills help at work?

Yes, clear communication helps in meetings, emails and teamwork. The path uses workplace examples throughout.

Do I get a certificate in communication skills?

Yes, finishing all 8 courses earns a Breni certificate of completion.

Related learning paths

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