Movies to Improve

Communication Skills:

Top 7 Must-Watch Films

Looking to improve your communication skills? We've got a special movie list for your Friday night and weekend . This selection is all about improving your communication skills, with some less typical but highly valuable picks.

We recently talked about the importance of communication within the team and with clients. We know it’s not always easy to get things right just by talking. Practice and great examples are essential. So, our list is all about that.

Of course, everyone knows and has watched movies like “Boiler Room” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” which are always top picks for communication skills. We tried to find something less typical but just as relevant and useful.

"Thank You for Smoking"

This satirical comedy tells the story of Nick Naylor, a talented lobbyist for the tobacco industry. The main character expertly defends the interests of cigarette companies using his charisma and persuasion skills.

The film not only entertains but also makes you think about the power of words and the responsibility behind them. It’s a great resource for developing communication skills.

Key lessons:

Art of Argumentation: How to effectively build arguments and defend your position.
Self-Confidence: How confidence can influence audience perception and the persuasiveness of your speech.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication: How to use body language and tone of voice to strengthen your arguments.

"Yes Man"

This well-known comedy starring Jim Carrey tells the story of Carl Allen, a man who’s used to saying no to every opportunity. His life changes when he attends a self-improvement seminar and agrees to say "yes" to everything.

Communication lessons:

Openness to New Opportunities: How a positive attitude can broaden your horizons and lead to new experiences.
Active Listening: Careful listening helps better understand others’ needs.
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: The importance of new experiences for growth.

"A Thousand Words"

This comedy-drama starring Eddie Murphy revolves around Jack McCall, a talkative literary agent who finds himself in a situation where every word counts. Jack, used to talking a lot, has to learn to value every word and reconsider his relationships.

Communication lessons:

Thoughtful Communication: The value of a single word can be greater than an entire sentence.
Non-Verbal Communication: The importance of body language and gestures.
Quality Over Quantity: The advantage of meaningful conversations over empty talk.

"Suckers"

This 2001 comedy-drama about the world of car sales features Bobby DeLuca, who quickly learns the tricks and manipulations needed to succeed in the business.

Though the film depicts car sales, many of the communication techniques shown can be useful in various areas of life:

Persuasion Techniques: Methods of influencing customers.
Adapting to Different Clients: How to adjust to different personalities.
Active Listening: The skill of listening carefully and responding to people’s needs.

"Outsourced"

This romantic comedy tells the story of Todd Anderson, an American sales manager sent to India to train local employees in call center work. The main conflict centers around Todd's cultural shock and his efforts to adapt to a new environment while teaching Indian colleagues the American style of customer communication.

Communication lessons:

Intercultural Communication: Understanding and respecting cultural differences.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to a new environment.
Non-Verbal Communication: The importance of body language in cross-cultural interactions.

"The Internship"

This 2013 comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson follows two middle-aged friends, Billy and Nick, who lose their jobs due to the digital revolution. To adapt, they decide to intern at Google.

Key lessons:

Adaptability: Adjusting to new technologies and environments.
Teamwork: Effective communication and collaboration.
Intergenerational Communication: Finding common ground with colleagues and partners of different ages.

"The Intern"

This 2015 comedy-drama directed by Nancy Meyers stars Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. A 70-year-old widower, Ben Whittaker, decides to return to work as an intern at an online fashion retailer, run by the young and successful Jules Ostin.

Key lessons:

Intergenerational Communication: Effective interaction between people of different ages.
Empathy and Active Listening: Understanding and attentively addressing others’ needs.
Mentorship and Experience Sharing: The value of knowledge exchange among employees.

Other Movies You Might Enjoy:

“The King’s Speech,” 2010
“Larry Crowne,” 2011
“Tommy Boy,” 1995
“Crazy People,” 1990
“Joy,” 2015
“Focus,” 2015
“War Dogs,” 2016

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