Communication Secrets That Bridge the Executive Gap
(Without Sounding Like a Corporate Robot)
Whether you’re a fresh-faced manager, a team lead trying to make waves or a grad still figuring out how things work at the company, we all need to be consistently honing our communication skills and the art of delivery that is uniquely us . Equally, you could be already in the C-suite and need a little reminder that even top dogs can learn new tricks. You’re here because you want to know more about how to level up your communication game.
This post isn’t about secret handshakes or wearing power ties (though if that boosts your confidence, go for it). It’s about learning how to communicate like someone who inspires action, makes decisions happen, and doesn’t sound like they swallowed a corporate handbook.
Let’s look into some practical techniques that’ll help you bridge the gap between “manager” and “executive” without putting everyone to sleep.
Oh, and heads up: CTBs (Call-to-Behaviors) are for you to consider applying.
Foundational Communication: The Basics You Can’t Skip
Active Listening:
Listening isn’t just waiting for your turn to talk. Truly effective people listen like they’re binge-watching their favorite show—fully tuned in. Nod, paraphrase, and ask questions. Show that you understand and care (or at least fake it convincingly in the short run until it becomes a part of who you are).
CTB: In your next meeting, focus and listen instead of mentally drafting your grocery list. Paraphrase what someone says and see how much smoother things go.
Clarity and Brevity:
Most execs don’t have time nor mental space for your 10-minute monologue about why the printer broke again. Keep it short, sweet, and jargon-free. If you can say it in one sentence instead of three, do it.
CTB: Go through your last email or presentation and ruthlessly edit out anything that sounds like filler or corporate mumbo jumbo.
Open-Ended Questions:
Stop asking questions that lead people to the answer you already want. Ask open-ended ones that make them “Think”—and maybe even surprise you with their answers.
CTB: Next time there’s a problem to solve, ask “What’s another way we could approach this?” instead of “Don’t you think my idea is awesome?” Watch the creativity flow.
Non-Verbal Communication:
Your body language is your billboard. Are you projecting confidence or screaming “I’d rather be anywhere else”? Eye contact, open gestures, and a well-timed smile can work wonders.
CTB: Record yourself during a meeting (yes, cringe-worthy but could be worth it). Check if your body language shouts “Engaged” or “Bored & Distracted.” Adjust accordingly.
Communication for Collaboration: Stop Building Silos
Tailoring Communication Style:
Not everyone speaks your language (figuratively speaking) mostly due to our generational upbringing and experiences. Start becoming aware of people, what they do, and adjust your tone and approach depending on who you’re talking to—whether it’s the finance team or the creatives who think spreadsheets are witchcraft.
CTB: Before your next meeting with a mixed group, figure out what makes each audience tick and over time, adjust how you present your ideas.
Feedback Delivery (SBI Model):
No one likes vague feedback like “Good job” or “That wasn’t great.” The SBI model (Situation-Behavior-Impact) gives people something they can actually work with.
CTB: Next time you give feedback, try saying something like: “In yesterday’s meeting (situation), when you interrupted Bob mid-sentence (behavior), it made him shut down (impact).” Watch how much more effective this is than saying “Don’t interrupt.”
Conflict Resolution:
Conflict is inevitable— but how you handle it sets you apart from drama queens. Focus on shared goals, experiences and values to find win-win solutions instead of pointing fingers. What is right should always prioritize who is right.
CTB: When conflict pops up (and it will), channel your inner mediator and steer the conversation toward common ground instead of letting it spiral into chaos.
Presenting & Speaking
Storytelling Basics:
People love stories—it’s as old as time itself! Where possible consider structuring your presentation like one: beginning, middle, end. A sprinkle of some emotion (Humor, Surprise etc) alongside those boring stats to make people sit up and care.
CTB: For your next presentation, ditch the bullet points and craft a story around your key message. Think less “PowerPoint snooze-fest,” and more TED Talk.
Overcoming Nervousness:
Public speaking doesn’t have to feel like walking into a lion’s den. Practice deep breathing, visualize success (not tripping over cables), and focus on delivering value—not perfection.
CTB: Before your next big presentation, consider box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds). It works wonders for calming those nerves.
Engaging Visuals:
Your slides should support what you’re saying—not compete with it. Keep them clean and simple; no one wants to squint at tiny text or decipher clip art from 2003.
CTB: Take one of your old presentations and Marie Kondo those slides until only the essentials remain.
Conclusion: Level Up Your Communication Game
Here’s the thing: communication isn’t some magical skill reserved for Exec’s and above—it’s something anyone can choose to develop with practice and patience (and maybe some trial-and-error disasters along the way). Whether climbing the corporate ladder or just trying not to trip over it, some or all of these techniques will help you connect with people in ways that matter—and maybe even make them laugh.
Nobody ever became good at connecting with people by sending emails that start with “Hope this finds you well.”
Resources Worth Checking Out
Books:
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
The Art of Explanation by Ros Atkins.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.
YouTube:
The public speaking lesson you never had | DK . | TEDxNelson (DK is his (legal) name. Just a D and a K)
Websites/ Exercises:
The Micro-Moment Performance Enhancement Technique
To effectively implement a skill from this article in your professional life, consider the following structured approach:
Take a brief moment to center yourself through controlled breathing. Reflect on your past and recent accomplishments to foster a positive mindset like a daily reset.
Clearly write down the specific communication skill you want to develop, stating by what method or frequency you will work on acquiring this skill.
Repeat your written intention both silently and aloud while physically tracing the words with your finger and simultaneously making a relevant gesture associated with that communication skill. For example, if the skill is active listening, you might mime nodding attentively. This multi-sensory approach helps to embed the intention.
Visualise yourself effectively using this communication skill in relevant professional scenarios anticipating and overcoming challenges encountered. It’s a brief, vivid mental 'movie' of scenarios where you are working to apply the skill – perhaps a conversation with a colleague, a presentation, or a negotiation. Engage all your senses – what do you see (the other person's reactions), hear (the tone of the conversation), feel (your confidence), smell (the office environment), and even taste (perhaps the coffee you're sharing)? Focus on the sense of accomplishment and increased professional competence.
Regularly repeat this process to reinforce neural pathways and integrate the skill into your professional repertoire.
In your comments, let everyone know what skill you focused on. How did the rehearsal go? What were the real-world outcomes of applying this technique?
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