If you want to improve your communication skills, it may be easier than you think! It is generally accepted that communication is the skill of both talking and listening, however, there are other more subtle ways to communicate, which can sometimes let us down. Body language and non verbal cues such as facial expressions and hand gestures all have their place in good communications.

Most people who want to improve their communication skills do so because of their perception of themselves. They may be shy at parties, unwilling to participate in meetings, or feel they have nothing to say at social gatherings.

Yet those same people can often talk the hind legs off a donkey if they are able to discuss a subject close to them - better still if they are in their own home. This all comes down to confidence.

The simplest way to develop the confidence to talk freely at a social event is to pursue a popular pastime, sport or hobby that involves other people. While stamp collecting is fine, unless you happen to be in the same room at the same time as a fellow enthusiast, you'll struggle to make an impression. However, if you opt for lets say, learning a musical instrument, or playing any sport, you will be able to engage people's interest even if you're playing the guitar and they're playing piano.

So making good conversation is not necessarily about having the same passions as everybody else - you just have to have a passion for something.

Being a good communicator can also help advance your working career. If you walk into the boss's office staring at your shoes, and mumbling about the pay rise that you deserve, you won't get far. However, if you enter the office with your head held high and your shoulders back, speaking clearly and decisively, you may actually walk out with a bigger raise than you were hoping to achieve.

Make positive changes to your life. Create a better environment for you and those you care about. Check out http://motivation-foryou.com for similar articles, free weekly email messages and a free home study course. No new age stuff and fluff and no distractions - just a no-nonsense approach for a better, happier lifestyle.