Compelling Communication: A Power Skill for Leaders

All leaders are communicators. But not all leaders are compelling communicators!

Compelling communication is a Power and Soft Skill that can be learned with knowledge, mentoring and practice.  Leaders who are compelling in their communication are more effective in leading their organization to greater success than those who are not.   If you are a leader who is in a role of communicating to a group of employees or clients you should strive to be a compelling communicator.

I am convinced that a compelling communicator has three attributes.  They

1. Speak with Confidence
2. Touch the Heart and Head
3. Move Others Towards Action/Change

Speak with Confidence

The number one fear of most people is public speaking, speaking in front of a group.  Death is sometimes ranked as number two.  Imagine that.  Some would rather die than speak in front of an audience.  As one overcomes their fear of public speaking they gain and grow in confidence.  The more they speak the more confidence they gain.  The motto “Be Prepared” is true when it comes to speaking with confidence.  Moreover, the more you practice the more confidence you will gain and display in your speaking.  A leader who speaks with confidence becomes a compelling communicator. 

Touch the Heart and Head

I remember a few years ago as I was preparing to compete in a Toastmasters International Speech Contest at the Club level, I delivered my speech to my local club.  Confident that I had delivered one of the best speeches ever, a fellow member and dear friend approached me after the meeting and complimented me on a job well done.  Then she looked me in the eyes and asked if she could give me one piece of advice to improve my speech.  I nodded and said yes.  She then encouraged me that whenever I give a speech to always aim to touch the hearts and heads of the audience.  To leave with my listeners moved emotionally.  That is a lesson that I have never forgotten.  A leader who wants to become a compelling communicator will strive to touch the hearts and heads of their audience. 

Move Others Towards Action/Change

A leader who is a compelling communicator is one who will move others towards action and change.  John Quincy Adams is quoted as saying, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”  The only change I would make in this quote is to substitute the word ‘actions’ with the word ‘words.’ If our words cause others to do and become more, not only are you a leader, but you are also a compelling communicator. 

As leaders we should strive to become compelling communicators.  This is a power skill that will enable leaders to elevate others and their organization for greater success. 

Your Turn: Who is a person you consider to be a compelling communicator?  If you are a leader who wants to become a compelling communicator, reach out to me and let’s talk.