Communication skills courses can help you learn effective verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, persuasive speaking, and conflict resolution techniques. You can build skills in crafting clear messages, adapting your communication style to different audiences, and using feedback constructively. Many courses introduce tools like presentation software, video conferencing platforms, and collaboration apps, which enhance your ability to convey ideas and engage with others in various settings.
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Communication, Communication Strategies, Persuasive Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Strategic Communication, Trustworthiness, Rapport Building, Productivity, Goal Setting, Relationship Building, Cooperation, Negotiation, Relationship Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

LearnKartS
Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication, Communication Strategies, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Oral Comprehension, Emotional Intelligence, Persuasive Communication, Public Speaking, Non-Verbal Communication, Business Communication, Tactfulness, Conflict Management, Relationship Management, Teamwork
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Sales Presentation, Presentations, Oral Expression, Business Writing, Business Correspondence, Sales Presentations, Telephone Skills, Verbal Communication Skills, Interviewing Skills, Public Speaking, Professional Development, English Language, Cultural Diversity, Business Communication, Professional Networking, Cultural Sensitivity, Writing, LinkedIn, Web Content, Social Media Content
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Problem Solving, Presentations, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Constructive Feedback, Interpersonal Communications, Oral Expression, Communication, Team Collaboration, Persuasive Communication, Creative Problem-Solving, Virtual Teams, Social Skills, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Professional Development, Professionalism, Ability To Meet Deadlines, Operational Efficiency
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Negotiation, Proposal Writing, Presentations, Events and Conferences, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Event Planning, Sales Presentations, Event Management, Proposal Development, Peer Review, Business Communication, Communication, Business Writing, Public Speaking, Business Planning, Business Correspondence, Professional Networking, English Language
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Interpersonal Communications, Social Skills, Active Listening, Trustworthiness, Conflict Management, Assertiveness, Communication, Professionalism, Rapport Building, Professional Development, Communication Strategies, Influencing, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Attributes, People Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Persuasive Communication, Storytelling, Influencing, Communication, Leadership, Verbal Communication Skills, Stakeholder Communications, Public Speaking, Communication Strategies, Interpersonal Communications, Meeting Facilitation, Strategic Communication, Discussion Facilitation, Team Leadership, Trustworthiness
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of London
Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Self-Awareness, Communication, Empowerment, Communication Strategies, Composure
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of London
Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Storytelling, Persuasive Communication, Empathy, Rapport Building, Drive Engagement, Emotional Intelligence, Communication Strategies, Personal Attributes, Public Speaking, Communication, Relationship Building, Interpersonal Communications, Verbal Communication Skills, Target Audience, Workplace inclusivity, Non-Verbal Communication, Self-Awareness, Executive Presence, Active Listening
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Persuasive Communication, Oral Expression, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Storytelling, Communication, Motivational Skills, Advocacy, Peer Review, Constructive Feedback, Communication Strategies, Performing Arts, Concision, Writing and Editing, Action Oriented, Trustworthiness, Verbal Strategic Communication, Writing, Problem Solving
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Communications, Rapport Building, Conflict Management, Intercultural Competence, Non-Verbal Communication, Cultural Sensitivity, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication Strategies, Relationship Building, Professional Development, Self-Awareness, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Train The Trainer, Virtual Environment, Design, Education Software and Technology, Educational Materials, Communication, Communication Strategies
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Communication skills are the abilities you use to share ideas clearly, listen actively, adapt your message, and build understanding with others. They can include speaking, writing, presenting, storytelling, interpersonal awareness, confidence, and professional communication in different settings. Courses such as Improving Communication Skills from the University of Pennsylvania and Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact from Macquarie University focus on practical ways to express ideas and connect with audiences. On Coursera, you can choose courses that match your goals, whether you want stronger workplace communication, English communication practice, or more confident public speaking.‎
Many jobs use communication skills because most roles involve sharing information, collaborating with others, or influencing decisions. These skills are useful for managers, project coordinators, customer support specialists, sales professionals, teachers, health care workers, marketers, consultants, and anyone who works on a team. Courses like People & Soft Skills: Essential for Professional Success from IBM and Developing Interpersonal Skills from IBM connect communication with workplace collaboration and professional relationships. Coursera’s communication skills courses can help you build abilities that support both day-to-day teamwork and more formal communication tasks.‎
You do not need many prerequisites before learning communication skills, but basic reading, writing, and listening abilities can help you get started. If you are learning in English, comfort with everyday English can make courses such as Improve Your English Communication Skills from Georgia Institute of Technology or Business English Communication Skills from the University of Washington more approachable. It can also help to reflect on situations where you want to communicate better, such as meetings, interviews, presentations, or team projects. Coursera offers beginner-friendly options that let you practice communication in practical, real-world contexts.‎
Skills that complement communication skills include emotional intelligence, active listening, teamwork, leadership, negotiation, storytelling, writing, presentation design, and critical thinking. These related skills can help you understand your audience, organize your ideas, respond thoughtfully, and collaborate more effectively. For example, Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact emphasizes persuasive communication, while Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact from the University of London and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama focuses on confidence and presence. Coursera courses can help you combine communication with people skills, business writing, or professional speaking.‎
A good way to start learning communication skills is to choose one practical goal, such as speaking more clearly in meetings, writing better emails, improving English fluency, or presenting with more confidence. Then, pick a beginner-friendly course that matches that goal and practice the techniques in everyday situations. Improving Communication Skills from the University of Pennsylvania can be a strong general starting point, while Effective Communication Skills from LearnKartS may suit learners looking for broad communication foundations. Coursera’s course selection lets you begin with a focused skill and build toward more advanced communication goals over time.‎
Yes. You can start learning communication skills on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in communication skills, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Some strong beginner courses for communication skills include Improving Communication Skills from the University of Pennsylvania, Effective Communication Skills from LearnKartS, and People & Soft Skills: Essential for Professional Success from IBM. If your goal is language-focused communication, Improve Your English Communication Skills from Georgia Institute of Technology or Business English Communication Skills from the University of Washington may be useful starting points. Learners interested in confidence and influence might consider Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact or Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact. Coursera lets you compare beginner-friendly courses by provider, focus area, and skills covered.‎
Communication skills courses typically cover topics such as active listening, clear speaking, audience awareness, professional writing, presentation skills, storytelling, interpersonal communication, confidence, and influence. Some courses focus on workplace communication and soft skills, while others emphasize English communication, business English, or communicating with impact. For example, IBM’s courses highlight professional and interpersonal skills, while the University of Washington and Georgia Tech offerings support English communication development. On Coursera, you can choose courses based on the specific communication situations you want to improve, from everyday collaboration to presentations and professional conversations.‎