Tone and words: Use accurate language

by ‘important’? Should this become my top priority? Would you describe for me exactly what you’d like to see in the report? When specifically do you need it in your hands?” So when you hear words like fast, important, expensive, urgent, critical, or catastrophic, upsetting, significant problem, major issue, very concerning, troubling, your ears sho

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The more words it takes you to describe the topic, the less prepared you are to talk. For example, when we asked one skilled person what his message was in a forthcoming performance review, he said, “I’ve concluded he is not good at managing people or projects.” Boom! Crystal clear. Simple. He’s ready. Why is this clarity so rare? Often when we mor

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Here are the six new rules of engagement—for politicians, broadcasters, and all aspiring experts, decision-makers, and leaders.

1. You gain more trust when seated, not standing.




2. Don’t speak at people—speak with them.




3. An informal tone is more persuasive now. Even leaders must adjust to this.




4. Conversations have more influence than speeches.




5. Spontaneous commu

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Authority: You are a trustworthy source of information, and only an expert can understand an issue, evaluate what’s new or important and distill it in an accurate, interesting way. Be the expert, or find one. Brevity: You stand out for being respectful of busy readers’ time, giving them exactly what they need to stay productive, without leaving the

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