Effective Communication is Empowering.
Using an activity-based approach (and a little humor) we offer personalized training focused on your business goals and objectives.
About Us
Improving Communications empowers people to be more efficient and successful by helping them to be clear, brief, and effective. Our learning sessions are designed to help with business communication skills training to enhance the public perception of their expertise.
Better communication skills strengthen your reputation, and the potential for profit.
Our company focuses on you and your needs. Learning can be a challenge. We use an activity-based approach to make it interactive and enjoyable. It is personal – so we get to know your business and understand your goals and objectives.
Instructor-Led Communication Skills Training In-Person & Online
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Improve presentation skills with visuals and persuasion.
Lead, motivate, and inspire your staff to achieve goals.
Exceed wants and needs to generate repeat sales.
Boost sales through UB4me, client-centered strategies.
Be clear and concise in writing to get results.
Train and develop to upgrade the workforce.
… knocked it out of the park.
“My team and I recently got the opportunity to spend a few hours with Rich from Improving Communications.
I can be a bit cynical when it comes to a stranger knowing what’s best for a team. Between that, and the fact that this was slated to be a social event, made me unsure of how it was going to go.
Rich knocked it out of the park. We had about 40 attendees and I think he knew us all by name by the end. He had us rooting for each other and working together in ways we’ve never been challenged. He has the ability to think on his feet and create teachable moments from even the most simple, slight opportunities.
That was the event. As for the impact, I feel that I’ve noticed an uptick in our team’s empathy and attention to each other’s needs, time, and work styles. Our leadership has been buzzing with energy and taking a more proactive, forward thinking approach to our day-to-day. It seems our few hours with Rich may have been a shakeup we needed.
Looking forward to future events. I’d encourage any organization to get to know this company. ”
Dave Thompson, Senior Director of Employment & Inclusion, The Nicholas Center
Connecting “Real World” Problems
Your class was done so well. The entire day went by so fast! The personal stories added a great way to connect “Real World” problems to the text.
You have changed my life!
As long as I try to stick to your mantras, not only are my presentations better, but they are also so much easier to produce and reproduce in ppt. A great big thank you for making my daily work so much easier and more fun!
Jenny Ravenscroft
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class.
My perspective on written communications has improved. This enlightenment will enable me to be a more effective communicator. Thanks again.
Phyllis Ferro
The Effective Business Writing program is an enjoyable and informative training session.
The program provides participants with the necessary tools to improve their business communication. Feedback from employees, having attended a session, has been positive and confirms that they are using the skills learned in the program. Rich Atkins takes a subject that can be tedious and makes it humorous and easy to understand.
Mary Ellen Fisher, Instructional Designer
The Improving Customer Service class provides participants with new tools to meet an ever-increasing demand for problem-solving and making situations right again.I received very positive feedback from the Improving Customer Service training attendees and it has been a pleasure working with Improving Communications, so I highly recommend Rich Atkins and his services for the future.
The class was enjoyable and should be offered more frequently.
Improving Communications provides tools for presenters to win an audience’s attention and present to them on a topic they want to hear about. Improving Presentation Skills had a memorable impact on the participants. Some of the comments included, ‘the instructor genuinely cared about our success,’ ‘the class was enjoyable and should be offered more frequently,’ ‘would like to say thank you, this course was helpful and should be offered to every sales rep in my area.’
Dr. Atkins is a motivational and inspirational speaker and educator. I look forward to having him back again.
K. Deneen Bennett, Manager Training & Development
The seminar he provided was easy to follow and thought provoking.
As a trainer and human resources professional, I truly believe in the value that Dr. Atkins can add to any organization. The seminar he provided was easy to follow and thought provoking. His personable demeanor along with his humble spirit and obvious expertise make his sessions gems that you cannot afford to pass up.
Deirdre Cash, PHR
Rich has an engaging presentation style.
The New Mexico chapter of the International Society for Performance Improvement (NMISPI) gave high marks to his interactive and lively Improving Customer Service workshop. There were opportunities to share ideas and analyze different techniques, and 87% of attendees said that they would recommend this workshop to others.
Ildiko Oravecz
Dr. Atkins’s presentation was outstanding.
Rich Atkins was a guest speaker for The Austin Human Resource Management Association conference. Dr. Atkins’s presentation was outstanding. Our membership would request him back without a second thought. Rich was personable, fun to work with, flexible, and willing to help make our conference a success. I hope we can have him back soon!
Wendy Chance, CTS
I couldn’t be more delighted!
Working with Improving Communications and Rich Atkins has been a splendidly positive experience, where my expectations were exceeded. I unequivocally recommend Improving Communications to those interested in improving their written or verbal communication skills.
Leslie Budnick, Children’s Book Editor
I am so impressed with your presentation skills.
Please use me for any references. I’m more than happy to sing your praises!
Barbara Ann Dillon, Director of Human Resources & Administration
Great class for my company!
Each employee showed improved sales skills over the four-week class. Rich Atkins was always a pleasure to deal with. I look forward to a long lasting business relationship with Improving Communications.
Jessica Weissman, Office Manager
Dr. Atkins’s presentation was a highlight of our program year!
His insight and the timeliness of the topic were very well received by all in attendance. Program evaluation ratings were ‘Excellent’ with handwritten comments requesting an encore performance! Superb includer!
Robin Eccleston, VP Programs
Overall, your professionalism, your teaching style, and the content of the course kept it interesting and easy to follow.
We believe in what you have taught us, having tried it first hand, I can honestly say, your course works; your methods and ideas have proven themselves. I look forward to working with you again and again in the future.
Alan M. Kriegstein, President
Your presentation was excellent and well received by the staff.
It was an extreme pleasure to have you as part of the Communication Enhancement Training Program. Your presentation was excellent and well received by the staff.
Courtney C. Crouch, Jr., President
Our drivers now practice the ideas from the presentation on Customer Service every day.
Because of the thoroughness and knowledge of the material presented, it has definitely made a lasting impression on our staff. It has meant a much friendlier reputation and a higher degree of trust between our customers and drivers. It has helped to improve our relationships with the communities that we service.
Troy Pierce, Operations Director
I was able to apply things learned or re-learned in his session to my work and continue to draw upon his session.
I had the pleasure of attending one of Dr. Atkins’s presentations. Rich made an immediate connection with everyone in attendance and I found it to be one of the most enlightening, inspiring and true-to-life presentations that I have seen. Immediately, I was able to apply things learned or re-learned in his session to my work and continue to draw upon his session.
Gary Evans, Associate Director of Human Resources
The material presented by Improving Communications was well-suited to our audience.
Rich provided us with easy-to-use tools, and gave us the opportunity to practice them in the session. His use of humorous examples allowed us to laugh and drove home the concepts needed to improve our communications.
Barbara Saat
We now relate better with each other and our patients.
Improving Communications brought our organization to realize how important our employees—our people—are to Baystate Dental. By helping us to develop a more thoughtful and sensitive nature, we now relate better with each other and our patients.
Dr. Kevin Coughlin, DMD, FAGD, MBA
Working with Dr. Atkins of Improving Communications has been a very positive experience. Everything about the program is exemplary! Managers have made it a point to tell me how pleased they are with the improvements made in the communications skills of the participants.
The Professional Development Workshop is an extremely effective program. The participants are looking forward to follow-up sessions with Dr. Atkins and we recommend his programs.
Heather Ragone, Training Manager
The Diversity Sensitivity & Awareness workshop was excellent. It provided a unique approach to addressing the topic. The session was interactive, interesting and very informative, leaving participants with a greater understanding of the merits of diversity and an inspiration to continue to broaden that knowledge base.
Sandra Hess Moll, Director of Employment Services / Affirmative Action Coordinator
After a two-day seminar, our attendees remained in their seats wanting more from Dr Atkins. His direct, yet challenging approach to presenting topics seemed to mesmerize the participants. Many very lively discussions were part of our workshop’s context. Personally, I am very interested in re-booking this type of experience every year for new leaders to undergo!
Michael J. Whitlock, Director of Fay Corey Union & Conferences
Dr. Atkins, thank you for sharing ‘Language of Happiness and Power of Praise‘ with our chapter! We enjoyed the interactive presentation and your professionalism. I received positive feedback from our members—there is nothing better than that! Thanks again.
Olga Otero, Chapter President
Thanks for a great program. The feedback from JSAHR has been that it was an excellent, thought-provoking program and extremely entertaining. I will definitely recommend you for other SHRM chapters! Thanks again.
Carolyn Broderick, SPHR, Programming Chair
We certainly were given a worthwhile and valuable series of leadership and communication sessions by Dr. Atkins. I have received comments of appreciation for his message and tips for improving communication and relationships. It was a meaningful investment for our organization and is being used to jump start other organizational communication and training programs. Thank you, Dr. Atkins.
Penny McCarty, SPHR, Assistant Director of Human Resources
Thank you so much again for the very engaging and informative course. The participants are still talking about how effective your Business Writing program is.
Christina Treadway, Manager of Global Management Strategies
Improving Communications provided the conference attendees with a unique and useful perspective on attitude, perception, and communication. It was a refreshing break from the industry-specific topics that can dominate conferences. Attendees reported both professional and personal benefit from the sessions led by Dr. Atkins.
Jim Nyberg, Conference Chair
Everyone in attendance was surprised by how Rich could make Grammar and Business Writing so engaging. Every person reported the workshop exceeded expectations. The material and exercises were relevant to a mixed group of managers, faculty, and staff. I highly recommend this program.
Anne-Marie McAllister, Manager, Organizational Learning
MEDIA TERRORISM gave a whole new swing on how we as IPMA Members view the media. We are now able to dissect images and verbiage that our news portrays! Thank you Dr. Atkins for the great work!
W. Maurice Brown, President
The Leadership classes have been fantastic. Nothing but rave reviews. Everyone is walking away with learning something.
Our staff loved the Improving Communications Course. They walked away learning a lot. I heard nothing but positives.
Jennifer Pollaci, Director Training and Store Recruiting
I’m a faithful reader of your newsletter. I like it because it’s short/targeted and I always learn something new!
Jamie Resker
It was great to have the opportunity to learn some new techniques and to gain more awareness of how I present myself. The most immediately applicable uses have been in reducing my “ums” and “ahs” and in trying to come to my point in a more succinct way. I’ve been cultivating this awareness in one-on-one settings; meetings and individual conversations.
Christina Vargas
Thank you very much for the wonderful and informative session. The audience was totally engaged and interested in your presentation. I want to congratulate you on a job superbly done and for all the effort that went into making this a successful seminar.
Janet Riesel, Chair – Career Planning & Professional Development SIG
Who We Are
Improving Communications, a New York-based corporate training company comprised of superior, dedicated subject-matter experts, provides first-rate communication skills training for individuals and businesses to enhance skills and increase efficiency, growing profitability and creating a more pleasant and positive workplace environment and culture.

Rich Atkins, Ed.D.
Managing Director

Vanessa Miller
Learning & Development Consultant

Nathalie C. Lilavois, Ed.D.
Educational Consultant

Jennifer Pawlitschek
Leadership & Communication Trainer

Patricia Atkins
All Things Extraordinary
Lead Through Communication – Better Skills. Better Results.
Communication is part of everything we do, whether we’re at work or at home. Our bi-monthly newsletter offers practical knowledge, communication tips, and leadership insights that can be used in your everyday life right away. Subscribe today!
The Blog
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
How to Network at a Conference When the “Peopling” Feels Overwhelming
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace Matters
Something About You and I
Make your next event a success.
Delight audiences and leave them with valuable, inspiring and powerful information.
Hire an Improving Communications speaker to start your conference or meeting on a high note.