Effective communication is a crucial skill in the workplace: it fosters healthy relationships, clear information exchange, and a positive work environment. Although some employees excel at communication instinctively, others may need guidance in refining their skills. Performance reviews provide an ideal avenue for evaluating and guiding employee communication skills on a regular basis. To assist managers and supervisors during these assessments, this article offers an organized structure of performance review phrases and paragraphs examples with a focus on communication skills.

By following the provided examples and breaking down the various aspects of communication skills, managers and supervisors can ensure that performance reviews are effective and consistent. The aim is to promote growth, constructive feedback, and a better understanding of workplace communication expectations for every employee, thus resulting in a more successful and harmonious work environment.

Questions to determine an employee’s performance review rating for communication skills:

1. Does the employee communicate effectively with team members, managers, and clients?
2. Does the employee actively listen and provide thoughtful responses?
3. Does the employee express ideas and opinions clearly and concisely?
4. Does the employee use appropriate tone and language in written and verbal communication?
5. Does the employee adapt their communication style to different situations and audiences?

Based on your assessment of the employee’s performance in these areas, you can assign a rating that reflects their communication skills. For example, if the employee consistently communicates effectively, listens actively, and adapts their communication style to different situations, they may receive a high rating. Conversely, if the employee struggles to communicate clearly or appropriately, they may receive a lower rating.

Performance Review Phrases and Paragraphs Examples for Communication Skills

5 – Outstanding

Phrases Examples

• Exceptional ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and easily understandable manner
• Consistently demonstrates active listening skills and responds appropriately
• Facilitates open and honest discussion, promoting a positive work environment
• Frequently praised for engaging communication style and active listening skills
• Leveraged excellent communication skills to resolve conflicts effectively and efficiently
• Regularly sought out for advice regarding effective communication strategies
• Demonstrated exceptional skill in written and verbal communication across multiple channels

Paragraph Example 1

“John consistently demonstrates outstanding communication skills. His ability to articulate complex concepts in a simple and understandable manner is truly exceptional. He actively listens during conversations and is well-regarded for his engaging communication style. His skills in conflict resolution and providing guidance in effective communication strategies are frequently sought out by his peers. John has shown mastery in communicating across multiple channels, with excellent verbal and written communication.”

Paragraph Example 2

“Jane consistently displays outstanding communication skills. She is able to take complex ideas and present them in a simple, easy to understand manner, allowing her team to effectively grasp new concepts. She actively listens to others, showing genuine interest in their input and responds with thoughtfulness. Her ability to facilitate open and honest discussion fosters a positive and inclusive work environment.”

4 – Exceeds Expectations

Phrases Examples

• Effectively conveys thoughts and ideas, making sure everyone is on the same page
• Often engages in active listening, providing constructive feedback when necessary
• Promotes a positive work environment by openly communicating with team members
• Continuously expanded communication skills through self-learning and workshops
• Mastered the art of tailoring communication to suit diverse audiences
• Took initiative to lead presentations and meetings with clarity and confidence
• Enhanced team communication by introducing new collaboration tools and techniques
• Created a positive and inclusive environment by communicating effectively with team members

Paragraph Example 1

“Jane has exceeded expectations in communication skills. She continually improves her abilities through self-learning and attending workshops. Jane has a strong command of tailoring her communication to suit diverse audiences, routinely leading presentations and meetings with confidence. She was instrumental in enhancing team communication by introducing new collaboration tools and techniques. Jane’s effective communication skills create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters strong team relationships.”

Paragraph Example 2

“John exceeds expectations in his communication skills. He effectively shares his thoughts and ideas, ensuring everyone on the team is aligned and informed. John actively listens to his colleagues, offering constructive feedback and support. His open communication style contributes to a positive work environment and strong team dynamics.”

3 – Meets Expectations

Phrases Examples

• Adequately communicates thoughts and ideas with coworkers
• Typically engages in active listening and responds to feedback
• Contributes to a positive work environment by maintaining open lines of communication
• Consistently communicates information in a clear and concise manner
• Effectively balances active listening and speaking during discussions
• Demonstrates good written and verbal communication skills
• Proactively seeks to improve communication skills through feedback from colleagues
• Successfully adapts communication style to various situations and audiences

Paragraph Example 1

“Sam meets expectations in his communication skills. He consistently communicates information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal communication forms. Sam is effective in his ability to balance active listening and speaking during discussions, and he adapts his communication style as needed to diverse situations and audiences. He takes feedback from colleagues seriously and proactively works to improve his communication skills.”

Paragraph Example 2

“Susan meets expectations in her communication skills. She adequately conveys her thoughts and ideas to coworkers, and generally engages in active listening, responding to feedback when necessary. Susan keeps open lines of communication with her team members and contributes to a positive work environment.”

2 – Needs Improvement

Phrases Examples

• Struggles to clearly convey thoughts and ideas to coworkers
• Has difficulty engaging in active listening and responding appropriately to feedback
• Could improve upon fostering a positive work environment through better communication
• Struggles to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas
• Difficulty in adapting communication style to different audiences
• Limited development of written communication skills
• Inconsistent in providing timely responses to messages and inquiries
• Needs to improve active listening skills during meetings and discussions

Paragraph Example 1

“James requires improvement in his communication skills. His ability to articulate thoughts and ideas is not clear, and he has difficulty adapting his communication style to different audiences. James should focus on improving his written communication skills and ensuring that he is consistent in providing timely responses to messages and inquiries. Additionally, it is vital for James to enhance his active listening skills during meetings and discussions.”

Paragraph Example 2

“Tom’s communication skills need improvement. He often struggles to clearly express his thoughts and ideas to his coworkers, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. When engaged in conversation, Tom has difficulty actively listening and responding appropriately to feedback. An improvement in Tom’s communication would help foster a more positive work environment.”

1 – Unacceptable

Phrases Examples

• Consistent failure to convey information accurately and effectively
• Unable to adapt communication style to suit the audience or the situation
• Ignored or dismissed valuable feedback from colleagues regarding communication issues
• Disrespectful and unprofessional communication with peers and supervisors
• Habitual absence or disengagement during team meetings and discussions
• Frequently fails to effectively communicate thoughts and ideas.
• Does not engage in active listening or provide appropriate responses to feedback.
• Negatively impacts the work environment through a lack of effective communication.

Paragraph Example 1

“Lucy’s communication skills are currently unacceptable. She frequently fails to effectively articulate her thoughts and ideas, causing disconnects within the team. Lucy does not engage in active listening and often provides inappropriate responses to feedback. Her lack of communication has a negative impact on the work environment, and it’s crucial for her to address this issue.”

Paragraph Example 2

“Sara’s communication skills are unacceptable. She consistently fails to accurately and effectively convey information, and she is unable to adapt her communication style to suit various audiences or situations. Sara has also dismissed valuable feedback from her colleagues regarding communication issues. She exhibits disrespectful and unprofessional communication with peers and supervisors. It is crucial that Sara takes immediate steps to improve her communication skills, including addressing her habitual absence and disengagement in team meetings and discussions.”