For instant messaging you should only be using OTR (off the record messaging). Google for more info.For calls you shouldn't be using Skype or Google, you should be using a encrypted VOIP alternative that is P2P and open source: Jitsi fits the bill. I should write a tutorial on how to setup these easily or something, it seems like this is a general problem. The solutions exist, but hardly anybody is using them (unlike PGP, which has greater adoption).I still don't recommend anybody actually use OTR and encrypted VOIP for serious business. You should use only PGP for that, it has proven itself.