Here are **30 communication skills and best practices for project managers**. These cover team management, client communication, reporting, and handling conflict. Good communication makes the difference between a delayed, stressful project and a smooth, well-managed one. --- ### **1. Set clear expectations upfront** Define deliverables, deadlines, and responsibilities from day one. **Tip:** Use simple, written summaries after meetings to confirm. --- ### **2. Start every project with a kickoff briefing** Clarify the goals, timeline, scope, and tools before anyone starts working. **Tip:** Share a short kickoff doc or recording everyone can refer back to. --- ### **3. Use short, direct messages** Avoid long blocks of text. **Tip:** Use bullet points and label key decisions, blockers, or deadlines. --- ### **4. Use the right channel for the right message** Chat = quick updates. Email = formal updates. Project tool = documentation. **Tip:** Don’t let major decisions live in random chat threads. --- ### **5. Confirm understanding** Ask people to repeat back action items or next steps. **Tip:** Never assume everyone understood your instructions the same way. --- ### **6. Repeat important points across channels** Say it in meetings, post it in the project tool, and mention it in follow-ups. **Tip:** Repetition = retention. --- ### **7. Lead check-in meetings with structure** Avoid rambling. **Use a simple format:** - What’s done - What’s blocked - What’s next - What needs approval --- ### **8. Listen more than you talk** Let team members report issues. You can't fix what you don't know. --- ### **9. Keep communication neutral under pressure** Don’t panic. Don’t blame. **Tip:** Use calm, steady language, especially when things go wrong. --- ### **10. Escalate quietly, not publicly** If someone’s dropping the ball, talk to them privately. Don’t blast it in a group chat. --- ### **11. Document everything** Keep a written trail of key decisions, scope changes, client approvals. **Tip:** This protects you and the team later. --- ### **12. Write great status updates** **Tip:** Use a format like: - Green/Yellow/Red - Key wins - Current tasks - Blockers - Needed approvals --- ### **13. Be the translator between technical and non-technical teams** Help clients understand the dev team, and vice versa. **Tip:** Use analogies, examples, and plain language. --- ### **14. Clarify scope changes immediately** Don't wait. Flag scope creep fast. **Tip:** “That’s not part of the original plan—let me prepare an updated quote/timeline.” --- ### **15. Ask questions instead of assuming** **Tip:** “What’s your preferred format for this report?” > Better than guessing and redoing work. --- ### **16. Simplify complex updates** Turn dev or design updates into bullet points with outcomes. **Tip:** Show progress, not just activity. --- ### **17. Use names when assigning tasks** **Bad:** “Can someone update the mockup?” **Better:** “Alex, can you update the mockup today?” --- ### **18. Give clear deadlines** Say “by Thursday 3PM,” not “as soon as possible.” --- ### **19. Build trust with small follow-through** Reply to questions. Send promised links. Post meeting notes. **Tip:** Your reliability keeps the team aligned. --- ### **20. Don’t copy everyone on everything** People stop reading messages they don’t need. Use targeted updates. --- ### **21. Clarify decision-makers and approvers** Avoid project slowdowns. **Tip:** Who signs off on content? Design? Final delivery? Make it clear. --- ### **22. Use visuals when possible** **Tip:** Use screenshots, Loom videos, mockups, or diagrams to avoid long explanations. --- ### **23. Don’t let silence mean “yes”** Follow up until you get a confirmation. **Tip:** “Just checking—can you confirm this is good to go?” --- ### **24. Keep clients in the loop—but not overwhelmed** **Tip:** Weekly summaries > daily noise. High-level updates with highlights only. --- ### **25. Prep internal teams before client calls** Don’t wing it. Align on what’s being said before meetings. --- ### **26. Clarify what’s still being figured out** Be honest about what’s in progress vs confirmed. **Tip:** “This is our draft. Final version depends on the next review.” --- ### **27. Show appreciation for good work** Don’t just give feedback when something’s wrong. **Tip:** A simple “Thanks for catching that” builds morale. --- ### **28. Clarify communication expectations early** Response times, check-in schedule, preferred channels. **Tip:** Put it in the onboarding doc or welcome message. --- ### **29. Don’t delay difficult conversations** If something is off-track, address it early. **Tip:** Use facts, not feelings: “We’re 2 days behind. Here’s what I suggest…” --- ### **30. Close projects with a wrap-up doc or meeting** **Tip:** List what was delivered, what was left out, and what’s next. End clean. --- Need this version adapted for **agency work**, **remote teams**, or **freelance contractor management**?