In a recent episode of the “Leadership Presence: Mastering The Inner Work Of Leadership” podcast, host Janet Ioli, Executive Coach and Founder of the Power Presence Academy, sat down with Ruth Milligan for a deep dive into the art of effective communication, especially for leaders. This isn’t just about delivering a flawless presentation; it’s about connecting, influencing, and inspiring with authenticity and impact.
Ruth shares with Janet that becoming an effective communicator is a journey of consistent practice, profound self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to understanding and serving your audience. By applying these principles, anyone can transform their leadership presence and leave a lasting, positive impact.
Highlights and takeaways from their conversation:
1. Intentionality and Self-Awareness are Non-Negotiable
Forget the myth of the “natural speaker.” Great communication is a learned skill, honed through intentionality, rigorous self-awareness, and a genuine openness to feedback. It’s a habitual practice, not an innate talent. Understanding your habits – both good and bad – is the first step toward true transformation.
2. Communication is an Embodied Experience
Often, we get stuck in our heads, overthinking every word. But as Ruth emphasizes, speaking is a full-body experience. To truly connect and get out of your own way, stand up, move, and practice speaking aloud. It’s about bringing your entire self into the conversation, from your eyes and hands to your breath and posture.
3. Conquer Fear by Trusting Yourself
The perceived fears associated with public speaking – like falling off a stage or making a mistake – rarely, if ever, materialize. Confidence stems from trusting yourself, engaging your brain, body, and breath in alignment. The reality is, your audience doesn’t know what you’re going to say, so a “mistake” is often just a detour they’re unaware of.
4. Cultivate Charisma Through Passion
Charisma isn’t an inherent trait; it’s a quality that can be developed. The secret? Be passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in your subject matter. If you can transmit even a fraction of the enthusiasm you feel for your favorite hobby into your professional delivery, you’ll instantly become more engaging.
5. Three Questions for Powerful Content
When preparing any form of communication, whether formal or informal, ask yourself these three critical questions:
- What is your goal? What do you want your audience to do or believe after hearing you?
- What question are you answering for the audience? Focus on their needs and the “what’s in it for me” factor.
- What are the conventions and genres of speaking? Consider the format, timing, and audience expectations (e.g., monologue, panel, TED Talk, podcast).
6. Balance Data with Story
Our brains crave both logic and emotion. Effective communication strikes a crucial balance between data and story. Data provides the proof and truth, while stories provide engagement, resonance, and help your audience understand how to feel about the information. Neglecting either side leaves your audience wanting more.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice – and Get Feedback
Continual practice is paramount. Recording yourself and listening back, though often uncomfortable, is the most powerful way to identify and correct habits that might hinder your communication. Work on one specific area at a time, ideally in low-stakes situations, so you’re prepared for higher-stakes environments. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
8. Embrace an Audience-Centric Approach
Resist the urge to dump every piece of information you know. Instead, focus on what your audience truly needs to know and how you want them to feel. Sometimes, the most impactful communication tool is silence, allowing your audience to process and internalize what you’ve shared, especially during times of change or uncertainty.
In essence, becoming an effective communicator is a journey of consistent practice, profound self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to understanding and serving your audience. By applying these principles, you can transform your leadership presence and leave a lasting, positive impact.
