5 Bold Ways to Elevate Your Communication Skills
Ed Darling | 6 min read
Last updated: 1/12/2025
Communication Skills Thrive on Challenge
When did you last step out of your communication comfort zone?
For many, it’s giving a big presentation or tackling a tough phone call. But like any skill, if you stick to what’s easy, your communication skills stagnate.
Why wait for a high-stakes moment to force your hand?
Take charge now and build confidence with these five bold ways to elevate your communication skills. Try them, and you’ll be ready to shine when the spotlight hits.
Watch the video!
Master Quick Thinking with an Improv Class
Want to think on your feet and stay cool under pressure?
Improv is your secret weapon for communication skills.
As a professional actor, I stumbled into an “improv night” in Edinburgh years ago. My name was drawn from a hat, and suddenly, I was on stage with two strangers, tasked with creating a scene about a botched jewel heist. No script, no prep — just pure, exhilarating chaos.
It was definitely nerve-wracking, but also a great laugh. Watching the pros was even more inspiring. Their quick wit, creativity, and total confidence is a sight to behold.
Improv teaches you to embrace the unknown, a vital skill for public speaking when slides fail or questions catch you off guard.
Join a local improv class to sharpen your communication skills. You’ll boost your ability to think fast, adapt, and trust yourself in any speaking scenario.
Go Live on Social Media to Build Confidence
Your phone is a studio, letting you broadcast live to hundreds with a single tap.
It’s simple, free, and terrifying — a perfect way to stretch your communication skills!
Hitting “LIVE” on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube means facing an unpredictable audience.
Will ten people watch? A hundred? No one? That uncertainty builds resilience. Try a five-day live challenge. Pick a theme: Share five pro tips from your industry. Tell five short, personal stories — funny, heartfelt, or profound. Dive into a hobby and offer your best advice.
Keep it short, simple, and authentic. The real-time feedback and questions from viewers will hone your ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
Plus, you might reconnect with old friends or inspire others to try it too.
Ready to speak with confidence?
Explore our training options...
Perform a Monologue to Unlock Expressive Communication
In acting, a monologue is one character pouring out their thoughts or story — solo.
It’s tougher than a group scene because all eyes are on you. That’s why it’s a brilliant exercise for communication skills.
Pick a poem or monologue and experiment with delivery. Consider the following:
Setting: Is the character in a bustling café or a quiet forest?
Emotion: Do they shift from anger to joy, or excitement to fear?
Objective: Are they seeking love, respect, or understanding?
Play with these elements to add variety — what my acting tutor called “light and shade” — to your performance. You’re not aiming for a West End role; you’re expanding your emotional range and comfort with expressive communication.
Try a monologue from Backstage. You’ll gain confidence in gesturing, moving, and speaking with passion, all key to captivating an audience.
Host a Workshop to Lead with Confidence
Think you can’t teach? Think again.
Everyone has knowledge others want — whether it’s mastering a bit of software, writing better emails, or journaling for mindfulness.
Hosting a workshop is a low-pressure way to build communication skills while helping others. No need for a grand event. It’s what helped build my own confidence. Long before I delivered any keynotes, I was running small workshops.
A 30-minute lunch session with a few colleagues works wonders. Pick a topic, even one you’re still learning, and facilitate activities everyone can join.
Why it works:
You’ll practise leading discussions and explaining ideas clearly; building up “stage time,” and growing more comfortable in the spotlight.
You’ll also develop listening and feedback skills, crucial for effective communication.
Quick tips:
Keep it simple. Focus on one clear takeaway, like “three steps to start investing.” Don’t lecture people — it’s not a keynote. Instead, use discussions & practical activities, mixed in with a few minutes of presenting at a time.
Choose your topic today and make it happen. You’ll sharpen your communication skills while providing value to your team.
Invest in a Professional Public Speaking Course
Nothing accelerates communication skills like professional training. Yes, it’s daunting to face your weaknesses, but a structured, supportive environment is the fastest way to grow.
Generally, there are two options:
Coaching: Work 1:1 with an expert to refine your strengths and tackle weak spots.
Courses: Practise alongside others, pushing your communication comfort zone in a safe setting.
Both build confidence and polish your ability to communicate effectively.
Curious about what we offer at Project Charisma? Have a look at our training options.
Communication Skills Grow Everywhere.
From embracing tech and going live on social media, to diving into an improvisation class, or delivering a monologue, the world is brimming with ways to enhance your communication skills.
Pick one of these five challenges. I’d recommend the one that sparks both excitement and nerves.
Try it, then try another.
Keep learning, keep experimenting.
You’ll become a better communicator, and you’ll create some stories worth sharing!
When you're ready, 3 ways to work with me...
Coaching Programme: Follow a proven system to build confidence, find your charisma, and step-up as a speaker in your niche.
1-Day Masterclass: Learn everything you need in 1 day to face your fears, and begin speaking with confidence.
Corporate Team Training: Bring confident communication to your team. High impact workshops, events talks, and leadership training.
