What Are You Getting Wrong About Leadership Communication?

 We had a fascinating conversation the other day with Eva Daniel on our podcast. Eva's spent years helping leaders become better speakers, and she shared something that's been stuck in our heads: Most of us are getting leadership communication completely wrong

Here's what we mean.

Think about the last time you sat through a leadership presentation. Chances are it fell into one of two camps: Either it was entertaining but empty (Eva calls this the "cotton candy experience"), or it was packed with insights but delivered like a medical textbook being read aloud.

Why does this keep happening?

  

The Real Problem Isn't What We Think

We usually blame it on natural talent. "Oh, they're just a born speaker" or "I'm just not good at public speaking." But after talking with Eva, we're convinced that's not it at all.

The real issues are much more human:

Sometimes we procrastinate because we're scared. We tell ourselves "I work better under pressure" when really we're avoiding the discomfort of preparation. Or we're overconfident and think we can wing it. Either way, we're dodging the real work.

Other times we hide behind formal language and PowerPoint bullets because it feels safer than speaking in our own voice. We write these stiff, formal presentations that sound nothing like how we actually talk.

But here's the thing that hit us hardest: We know stories work. We know they make ideas stick. Yet when it's our turn to present, we fall back on boring data dumps and corporate speak. Why? Because it's easier. Because it's what everyone else does. Because it's what we think leadership is supposed to sound like.

 

A Simple Framework That Works

Eva shared something we wish we'd known years ago. It's called the 25-50-25 rule:

  • Spend half your time just thinking about what you want to say
  • A quarter of your time organizing those thoughts
  • And the last quarter practicing how you'll say it

That's it. No complicated techniques. Just clear thinking, clear organization, and practice.

 

But Here's Where It Gets Interesting

The best speakers - the ones who move people - they're not doing anything magical. They're just telling stories. Using everyday language. Bringing a bit of lightness to serious topics.

Eva told us about keeping a "story file" on her phone - just quick notes about interesting moments or conversations that might make good material later. Such a simple idea, but how many of us actually do it?

 

Try This

Next time you have to give a presentation, try something different:

Record yourself practicing on your phone. Yes, we all hate hearing our own voice. Do it anyway.

Schedule a practice run 5-7 days before the real thing. Not the day before when it's too late to change anything.

Look at your script and ask: "Would I actually say it this way in conversation?" If not, rewrite it.

Remember, how you communicate your ideas is just as important as the ideas themselves. It isn't about being perfect. It's about being real. Your stories, your voice, and your real thoughts are what create the best leadership communication.

Listen to our conversation with Eva...you'll enjoy it! 

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