Not Everyone Needs Advanced Communication Skills — But One Person Could Transform Your Business

In most companies, very few people are interested in developing advanced communication skills. From experience, I’d say it’s around 1% — and research supports the idea that while many people recognise their skills need improvement, far fewer actually act on it. For example, more than half of professionals say their presentation skills need work, but only around 20% seek out training.

So yes, in any team, only a small number will push themselves to master the art of communicating clearly in meetings, presentations, and at events. And fewer still will keep pushing once the course is over, the slides are put away, and the day-to-day pressures take over.

But here’s the thing: sometimes one person is all it takes to make a difference.

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Why investing in one person matters

For SMEs, the fear is often: “What if we train them and they leave?” But the evidence points the other way:

• 94% of employees say they would stay longer if their company invested in their training and development.

• Companies with strong training programmes enjoy 218% higher income per employee than those without formalised programmes.

• And staff are 45% more likely to stay in their role if they receive training.

In other words, training is not a ticket out — it’s one of the best ways to hold onto good people.

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The two real drivers of growth

From my experience, two factors drive whether someone develops advanced communication skills:

1. Necessity. If your role demands high performance — whether that’s winning deals, solving problems in meetings, or leading projects — then communication becomes non-negotiable.

2. Environment. People don’t know what they don’t know. If you’re surrounded by colleagues who never push themselves, it’s hard to improve. But spend time with ambitious, driven people who value communication, and the standard rises for everyone.

That’s why the smartest SMEs deliberately create environments where people can learn, stretch, and be supported.

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How SMEs can start small

You don’t need a big training budget. Instead, look around your business and pick just one person you believe in. It could be a young apprentice, a promising sales rep, or a marketer who shows initiative. Give them:

• Access to a good course or mentor

• The chance to practice in real settings (meetings, client calls, presentations)

• Clear feedback and encouragement

When people feel their employer has invested in them, loyalty deepens. That investment often pays back in confidence, clearer communication, stronger client relationships — and ultimately better results for the business.

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The ripple effect

Dynamic people who can articulate what matters most, when it matters most, can have a transformational impact on a company. Sometimes that transformation starts with just one person.

For SME leaders, the opportunity is simple: look around your company. Find someone with potential. Invest in them. Back them to grow. The return on that single decision can last for years.