Building Communication Skills for Better Networking

26 June 2025

Let’s face it—networking can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether it’s a formal mixer, a casual coffee chat, or a surprise connection on LinkedIn, you’re often expected to make a memorable impression quickly. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about handing over a business card or having a polished elevator pitch. The secret sauce to great networking? Killer communication skills.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to build communication skills for better networking. Not the boring, robotic kind—but genuine, engaging, human-to-human stuff. Ready to turn small talk into “let’s keep in touch”? Let’s go.

Why Do Communication Skills Matter in Networking?

Imagine communication as the bridge that connects two minds. Now imagine networking as the road trip that starts on that bridge. If the bridge is shaky, confusing, or closed off, your journey is going nowhere fast.

Strong communication skills help you:
- Make lasting first impressions
- Build relationships faster
- Share ideas clearly and confidently
- Listen actively and respond intelligently
- Stand out in a sea of elevator pitches

So yeah, communication is kind of a big deal.

The Big Three: Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Listening

Before you jump into mastering communication, you need to understand its three pillars:

1. Verbal Communication

This is all about what you say and how you say it. It includes:
- Tone of voice
- Clarity
- Vocabulary
- Pacing

2. Non-Verbal Communication

Body language speaks louder than words—sometimes literally. Key non-verbal cues:
- Eye contact
- Hand gestures
- Posture
- Facial expressions

3. Active Listening

Don’t overlook this one! Listening is half of communication—and one of the most underrated networking tools. Active listening means:
- Really paying attention
- Nodding or giving small affirmations
- Not interrupting
- Giving thoughtful replies

When you master all three, you become someone people want to talk to—and remember.

Start With Self-Awareness: Know How You Communicate

Before you upgrade your skills, you have to know your current toolbox. Ask yourself:
- Do I dominate conversations or stay too quiet?
- Do I often interrupt without noticing?
- Am I aware of my body language?
- How’s my active listening game?

Record yourself speaking or ask someone close for honest feedback. It might feel awkward, sure, but the insights you get will be pure gold.

Practice Makes Perfect (But Not Robotically Perfect)

You don’t need to memorize TED Talks to be a great communicator. Just get comfortable being yourself—on purpose.

Practice Your Elevator Pitch

This isn’t just for job fairs. An elevator pitch is your quick, go-to way of saying:
- Who you are
- What you do
- What you’re passionate about

Keep it short, natural, and interesting. No buzzwords, no jargon. Imagine explaining your work to a curious 10-year-old. That’s your sweet spot.

Embrace Storytelling

People forget facts—but they remember stories. Got a cool project you worked on? Share it. Made a mistake and learned from it? Talk about it. Stories make you relatable and memorable.

Mirror and Match (Subtly!)

Pay attention to the person you’re talking to. Are they animated or more laid-back? Matching their energy (without mimicking them like a parrot) creates a subconscious bond.

Listening: Your Secret Weapon

Let me guess—when someone’s talking, you’re brainstorming your next sentence instead of really hearing them? We’ve all been there.

But here’s the truth: good listening is magnetic. It makes people feel heard and valued. And in networking? That’s pure gold.

Here’s how to level up:
- Don’t zone out—tune in.
- Use their name (everyone loves hearing their own name).
- Ask open-ended follow-ups like “What inspired you to do that?”
- Leave space between your reply and theirs. Silence is okay.

Listening can be your superpower—if you let it.

Not All Communication Is Verbal

Here's a fun fact: research suggests that over 70% of communication is non-verbal. Think about that. You could say all the “right” things, but if your body language says “I’m bored” or “Don’t talk to me,” that’s what people will pick up on.

Watch Your Posture

Stand tall. Shoulders relaxed. Chin up. A confident posture invites people in—without you saying a word.

Smile—Seriously

Smiling makes you more approachable. It’s the universal signal for “Hey, I’m friendly!”

Maintain Eye Contact

Not a staring contest, but just enough to show you’re engaged and interested. Glance away for a second if it feels too intense, then gently refocus.

Communication in the Digital Age: Texting, Email, and Social Media

Let’s not forget—so much networking happens online. Zoom calls, LinkedIn messages, emails... If your tone doesn’t translate well digitally, you might unintentionally sound cold, confusing, or just plain forgettable.

Be Clear and Concise in Emails

No one has time to read an essay. Get to the point. Use short paragraphs and bullet points when needed. Always proofread (typos scream “I didn’t care enough”).

Use Emojis (Carefully)

In more casual chats, emojis can help express tone. A well-placed 😊 or 👍 makes you seem more human. But don’t overdo it—this isn’t Snapchat.

On Video Calls: Look at the Camera

It mimics eye contact. Also, check your lighting and background—a neat space adds to your credibility.

Handling Awkward Silences Like a Pro

You’re talking, vibing… and then—BOOM. Silence.

Awkward? Yeah. Unavoidable? Not really.

Here’s how to bridge the gap:
- Have a few go-to questions ready: “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?”
- Reflect on what they just said: “You mentioned X, how did that turn out?”
- Use humor: “Well, that was a plot twist in the conversation, huh?”

Silence isn’t your enemy. It’s just a moment. Fill it with curiosity.

Confidence Without Arrogance

Networking isn’t bragging—it’s sharing. Speak with assurance, not ego.

Here’s the trick:
- Own your achievements without dismissing them (“I was honored to be part of the project…”)
- Give credit to your team or collaborators
- Show excitement, not entitlement

And remember, humility is attractive. Confidence opens the door, but humility invites people in.

Don’t Just Network—Build Relationships

Networking gets a bad name when it's all about taking. But real communication? It’s rooted in giving.

Here’s what relationship-focused networking looks like:
- Following up with a thank-you note
- Sharing a helpful article relevant to their work
- Asking how you can support them

People remember how you made them feel. Focus on human connection, and the “network” will build itself.

Tips to Keep Improving Your Communication Skills

Just like hitting the gym, communication gets better with consistent workout. Here are some practical ways to flex those muscles:

Join Speaking Clubs

Organizations like Toastmasters are great for building confidence and clarity.

Read Aloud

Seriously. This helps with pacing and tone. Bonus: it makes you better at storytelling.

Practice in Low-Stakes Scenarios

Strike up a conversation with a barista or your Uber driver. These everyday interactions are perfect practice grounds.

Record Yourself

Cringe alert—but it works. You’ll catch habits you didn’t even know existed.

Ask for Feedback

From mentors, friends, or colleagues. Just say, “Hey, any thoughts on how I come across?”

Final Thoughts: Communication Is a Game-Changer

Here’s the truth: communication isn’t just another “soft skill”—it’s the foundation of every relationship, opportunity, and connection you make. Whether you're networking to score a job, expand your circle, or simply get to know cool people, mastering communication is like having VIP access to the human experience.

It won’t happen overnight. But with practice, patience, and a whole lot of curiosity, you’ll get better. You'll go from awkward small-talker to confident connector.

So the next time you find yourself at a networking event—virtual or in person—remember: it's not about being the loudest in the room. It's about being the most genuinely engaged. Start there, and the rest will follow.