Communication Tools & Skills: English Vocabulary List

used as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and the role that civility can play in resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful interactions

"Respond politely to politeness."

"Even though he was provoked, he responded politely, remembering that a civil question deserves a civil answer."

used to encourage people to be efficient and effective in their communication in order to make the most of their time and keep their audience's attention

"Keep your stories brief."

"He proposed a quick coffee rather than a long explanation — a drink is shorter than a tale."

used to say that the ability to speak eloquently and effectively can be a powerful tool to achieve one's goals, influence others, or resolve conflicts

"Remember, a good tongue is a good weapon."

"The skilled lawyer proved that a good tongue is a good weapon by winning the case with her persuasive words."

used to imply that when someone listens attentively to another person, they are showing respect and appreciation for that person's thoughts and ideas

"Attentive listening shows respect."

"He just nodded and smiled while she talked for hours — a good listener is a silent flatterer."

used to suggest that subtle communication or hints can be just as effective as explicit communication with someone who is ignorant or oblivious to the situation

"A subtle hint is enough for someone who understands — a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse."

"She dropped a hint and he understood immediately — a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse."

used to emphasize the importance of visual aids in communication, as a single picture can be more impactful and effective than a long text in conveying complex ideas or messages

"This photo speaks volumes."

"The photographer explained that a picture is worth a thousand words, which is why his images tell powerful stories without any text."

used to say that people's actions show their true intentions or beliefs more clearly than their words

"He always says nice things, but actions speak louder than words."

"He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words, so I'll wait to see what he actually does."

used to emphasize that when one expresses their thoughts or gives instructions, it is important to do so with certainty and assertiveness

"A leader's word is law — must is a king's word."

"When the director said it had to be done, it had to be done — must is a king's word."

used to imply the power of language in shaping interactions, highlighting the value of using kind and gentle words to bring joy while avoiding harm caused by harsh or deceitful language

"A kind word gives life — a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."

"Her encouraging words transformed the team's confidence — a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."

used to imply the importance of listening carefully before speaking, highlighting the value of patience and restraint in communication to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts

"Listen more than you speak — be swift to hear and slow to speak."

"She sat through the entire meeting listening before offering a single comment — be swift to hear and slow to speak."

used to suggest that something is obvious or self-evident based on how it appears visually, as an image can reveal important information and convey a message without the need for words

"The expression told a story."

"The data visualisation revealed a pattern the spreadsheet had concealed — every picture tells a story."

used to suggest that a positive and respectful approach is more effective in achieving one's goals than a negative or hostile one

"Kindness works better than aggression — you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."

"She persuaded the difficult client with patience and warmth — you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."

used to suggest that using gentle language can help overcome difficulties and achieve goals as it can inspire trust in others and make them more receptive to suggestions and requests

"Gentle words open difficult people — kind words will unlock an iron door."

"The negotiation had stalled until she changed her tone — kind words will unlock an iron door."

used to suggest that something that continues for too long becomes tedious, boring, or irritating, causing people to lose interest or patience with it

"Speaking too long loses your audience — length begets loathing."

"The presentation ran forty minutes over time and lost the room entirely — length begets loathing."

used to emphasize the importance of paying attention to humor and joking, recognizing that they can sometimes reveal deeper truths or insights into a person's beliefs or attitudes

"Jokes can reveal real truths — many a true word is spoken in jest."

"His throwaway comment was actually the most accurate diagnosis of the problem — many a true word is spoken in jest."

used to encourage using words thoughtfully to avoid causing emotional harm, highlighting the power of language to affect others' feelings despite not causing physical harm

"Kind words are needed."

"While hard words break no bones, they can inflict deep emotional wounds, so choose your language carefully."

used to advise one to use kindness and generosity to build positive relationships with potential enemies, rather than being confrontational or hostile

"Build a golden bridge."

"It is good to make a bridge of gold to a flying enemy, offering a peaceful exit to avoid further conflict."