Book review of The Complete Communication Skills Workbook

by Cole McBride (Author)

Updated at: 07/01/2025

Unlock your communication potential with Cole McBride's "The Complete Communication Skills Workbook: 4 in 1." This comprehensive guide provides practical strategies and exercises to master listening, persuasion, and assertive communication. Learn to effortlessly start and maintain conversations, build rapport, and connect with others on a deeper level. Master the art of truly listening, deliver compelling presentations, and confidently express your needs and opinions. Through four distinct sections – Communication Skills Training, Listening Skills Training, Public Speaking, and an Assertiveness Workbook – you'll overcome communication anxieties and build lasting relationships. Transform your social interactions and achieve your goals with this invaluable resource.

The Complete Communication Skills Workbook: 4 in 1 - Practical Strategies to Master Listening, Persuasion, and Assertive Communication in Everyday Scenarios to Connect with Anyone Effortlessly

4.8 / 7 ratings

Review The Complete Communication Skills Workbook

This "Complete Communication Skills Workbook" is a real find! I went into it hoping to brush up on some communication skills, but honestly, it exceeded my expectations. It's not just a book; it’s a comprehensive toolkit, and I felt like Cole McBride was personally guiding me through each step. The author clearly understands the struggles many people face – I particularly appreciated learning about the author's own journey with shyness, as it made the advice feel more relatable and less preachy.

The book is structured brilliantly as four distinct sections focusing on listening, persuasion, public speaking, and assertiveness. This breakdown makes it easy to digest the information without feeling overwhelmed. Each section is packed with actionable strategies, not just abstract theories. The exercises are practical, often prompting self-reflection and encouraging you to apply the concepts to real-life situations. I found myself nodding along, recognizing habits I hadn't realized were hindering my communication, and then actively working to correct them.

The section on listening was especially eye-opening. We often think of communication as primarily about speaking, but McBride emphasizes the crucial role of listening – truly listening, understanding the nuances of both verbal and non-verbal cues. This section alone made the entire book worth it for me; it shifted my perspective on how to truly connect with others.

The persuasion techniques, while initially slightly intimidating (I confess I initially felt a twinge of guilt considering the potential for manipulation), are presented ethically and are designed to help you build genuine connections. It's about understanding the other person's perspective and finding common ground, not about tricking them. The book offers a sophisticated approach that clarified my understanding of persuasive communication.

The public speaking section is a lifesaver. For anyone who experiences even a hint of stage fright, this section offers practical, step-by-step guidance to build confidence. The strategies are clear, manageable, and helped me break down a daunting task into smaller, less intimidating steps.

Finally, the assertiveness workbook is fantastic. It helps you to understand healthy boundaries and how to express your needs without being aggressive. This is something I've always struggled with, and the exercises provided really helped me to formulate my thoughts and express them more effectively.

While some of the techniques require practice and conscious effort – and let’s be honest, some things are harder to implement than others – the challenges are worthwhile. The book doesn't shy away from the fact that developing strong communication skills takes work, but it makes the journey manageable and rewarding.

Overall, this workbook is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, regardless of their current level. It's a well-structured, highly practical guide that has significantly improved my ability to connect with others, express myself confidently, and navigate challenging conversations. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to unlock their true communication potential. It’s a book I will likely revisit frequently, as a handy reference guide to refer to when I need to brush up on a particular aspect of communication.