The FAQs of Communication Skills Training, Answered.

If you’re just starting the process of finding communication skills training for either yourself or a group of employees or leaders you oversee, you might have a few questions. What topics are covered in communication skills training? What’s the average price? What should participants expect? If this sounds familiar, this article is for you, as it contains answers to the most frequently asked questions about communication skills training in the workplace.

What Is Communication Skills Training?

By definition, communication skills training is designed to enhance an individual's ability to convey, exchange, and comprehend information, thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a professional and effective manner. Regardless of whether it takes place live online or in person, this form of training teaches communication skills through a combination of theoretical knowledge transfer, independent exercises that prompt skill application, collaborative activities, group discussions, and facilitator feedback and coaching.

What Topics Are Covered in Communication Skills Training?

Given how large and complex the topic of communication in the workplace is, there are many possible topics a training program might focus on. Here is a list of some of the most common communication skills training topics:

• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Difficult conversations
• Digital communication
• Written communication
• Visual communication
• Listening
• Networking
• Negotiation
• Storytelling
• Emotional intelligence and agility
• Assertiveness

How Much Does Communication Skills Training Cost?

The average cost of communication skills training depends on a lot of factors; however, to give you an idea, Niagara Institute’s best-selling online program, Speaking as a Leader, costs approximately $2,200 per person in an open-enrollment format.

You will find that programs which take place live (either online or in a classroom) and make you an active participant in your own learning can cost this and more (much more in some cases). Also, bear in mind as you price out the cost of communication skills training, that if you choose in-person training, you must also account and budget for additional expenses such as travel and accommodations.

If this is not in the budget, professionals and organizations may defer to asynchronous communication skills training, which is primarily self-directed and typically involves watching videos and doing readings to learn new skills. While this is an economical option, with most of these programs coming in at less than $100, there are limitations to this form of training that one must be willing to accept from the outset.

Communication Skills Training Online vs. In-Person: Which Is Better?

There is no right or wrong answer as to whether communication skills training that takes place live online or live in a classroom is better. The choice between the two options is entirely up to the individual or organization purchasing the training. Deciding factors often include the availability of the preferred program, the price difference between online and in-person training, the schedule of the participant, and the participant's ideal learning style. 

What Should I Expect When Attending Communication Skills Training?

Once you have enrolled in communication skills training, you might be wondering what you should expect when you walk (or log) in. To give you a general idea, here is what the typical participant experience looks like with Niagara Institute:

• Before training begins, participants receive an email with logistical details, such as the timing of the sessions and how to log in
• Depending on the training program selected, participants may receive an email with instructions regarding pre-work (work that needs to be completed before training begins), a program guide, and any supporting materials or tools
• When training takes place online, participants and facilitators usually agree as a group to turn their cameras and to come off mute when conversations/activities begin
• Small class sizes (25 participants or less) allow conversations between the facilitator and the participants to happen naturally
• Online communication skills training programs use some combination of breakout rooms, independent exercises, experiential activities, readings, lectures, and one-on-one coaching from the facilitator
• If the training program takes place over several days or weeks, participants are often given tasks that challenge them to practice what they’ve learned between sessions
• At the conclusion of the training program, participants are sent a communication skills training certificate of completion

Next Steps: Develop Your Communication Skills With Niagara Institute

Now that you have answers to these questions regarding communication skills training, you might begin the process of finding the program that’s right for yourself or for the group of employees/leaders you’re looking to train. As you explore different communication training programs and providers, we encourage you to capture your findings and examine the strengths/weaknesses of all your options using this Training Provider Checklist.