Home | The Hidden Power of Words: How Communication Shapes Leadership Success

The Hidden Power of Words: How Communication Shapes Leadership Success

Business Development, Communication, Confident Closing, NLP, Personal Development, Uncategorized
Lifepuzzle
7 March

Summary:

Words influence perceptions, decisions, and leadership impact.
Effective communication is a learned skill that drives workplace success.
Soft skills like active listening and emotional intelligence are often missing in the workplace.
Adapting language to your audience improves influence and engagement.
Leaders who master communication build trust, inspire action, and drive results.

Ever walked away from a conversation feeling misunderstood or worse, left someone feeling unheard?

The way we communicate, whether in leadership, sales, or everyday workplace interactions, shapes our success more than we realise. It’s no secret that there are varied degrees of skill when it comes to how we communicate. Those with influence seem to weave story and substance effortlessly when in reality, those grand TED Talks and Keynote Speeches are carefully constructed journeys. It’s true, there are some that have a natural inclination to be able to steer conversations but what is not widely known is that it is a skill that can be built and perfected. Life Puzzle offers focused Presentation or Speaker Training as part of our tailored Leadership & Influence Program and our Bespoke Speaker Training. Both programs are offered in-house and on demand but first, let’s dive deep into the hidden power of words and how they influence our personal and professional impact.

The Words You Choose Define Your Outcomes

A staggering 7% of communication is conveyed through words, while tone and body language make up the remaining 93%. Yet, that 7% forms the foundation of clarity, persuasion, and leadership. The right words can build rapport, drive decisions, and inspire action, while the wrong ones can create confusion, tension, or missed opportunities. If you’ve ever wondered, “How to communicate like a leader?”, the answer lies in mastering your words.

I often say, “Worlds are Our World”, they shape our experiences and how we convey that to others. The words we use to talk to ourselves are perhaps the most powerful but running close are the words we use to influence others and lead them towards outcomes.

Developing this skill in the workplace is vitally important from leadership to team. Many professionals excel in the technical aspects of their jobs but struggle with influence and persuasion. Your ability to communicate helps bridge the gap between knowledge and leadership, transforming passive conversations into powerful tools for progress and innovation. The challenge and the opportunity is being able to make every conversation one that leads your audience where you want them to go or galvanise to heights even you couldn’t have expected.

Communication vs. Simply Talking: The Leadership Edge

Many people talk, but few truly communicate. There’s a crucial difference between making noise and making an impact. Those who excel in communication understand that their role is not just to speak but to connect, engage, and build deep relationships of trust. Communication skills in the workplace are similar but encompass more than just talking; they involve active listening, empathy, and strategic messaging.

When addressing your team, do you say, “We need to do better,” or do you clarify and build context by saying, “To improve our results, we need to increase client engagement by 20% over the next quarter”? The former is vague and lacks critical thinking; the latter provides clarity, direction, and a measurable outcome. The startling difference shows a leader who has identified a strategy that inspires action and set a clear heading for others to follow.

Many leaders unknowingly use language that creates distance instead of connection. Simple shifts like replacing “but” with “and,” or mirroring a team member’s preferred communication style (visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic) can drastically improve engagement and performance.

Another often overlooked element is non-verbal communication. Eye contact, posture, and tone all impact how messages are received. Have you ever seen a leader whose words sound confident but whose body language suggests hesitation? Mixed signals can weaken authority. Strengthening by drawing links involves aligning both verbal and non-verbal cues. Anchoring experiences with your audience can bring life to a metaphor and pinning those experiences on the varied communication styles is equally as powerful.

Small tip: the next time you are giving your audience an opportunity to draw up notes or develop a plan, use music that inspires focus and visualisation. When we visualise an outcome, we are ‘stepping into’ that frame.

Soft Skills That Are Missing in the Workplace

We have come a long way in the last 10 years when it comes to technological advancement. Technology that was in it’s infancy pre-2020 is now jumping ahead of the workforce faster than teams can adapt and implement. Whilst most of us are marvelling at the speed Open-Ai can create a months worth of Social Marketing Content, it is working in the back ground of almost everything we do.

The rise of computer based learning and working has however created a growing rift in many industries. The most significant gap these advancements are leaving in workplace are human-centric skills. Leaders and employees alike are now struggling with:

Active listening
Emotional intelligence and maturity
Clarity in message
The ability to adapt and think on your feet, and more frighting,
Confidence in speaking, one on one or to a group.

The reason you should be concerned about the lack of confidence in communicating one on one is that most service and product based businesses, rely on this skill to do even the most basic tasks, let alone conduct sales. The truth is that most people listen to respond, not to understand. When asked, younger generations entering the workplace have responded that conversations stir feelings of anxiety and fear with a preference to responding by text or message. The reason this is alarming is it shows the lack of tailoring conversations and quick thinking. Recognising and managing emotions in conversations takes emotional depth, understanding and mastery. Articulating thoughts in a structured, persuasive way requires a strategy and the ability to cater to different audiences.

In order to ensure that a younger workforce who is missing the guidance of older generations leave the workplace it’s necessary to ensure that we are training emerging leaders to understand that whilst technology will be the driving force in how we connect, work and play there will still be the need to clearly and concisely communicate. Whether you’re leading a team or presenting an idea, mastering this skill determines how effectively you can inspire and influence others AND interact with new and emerging technologies.

Imagine a workplace where employees hesitate to speak up because they feel unheard. Now, envision a workplace where open dialogue is encouraged, and leaders set the tone for clear, constructive conversations. The difference? Strong communication skills that create a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration.

How to Communicate Like a Leader: Influence & Inspire

At Life Puzzle we believe that Sales is the #1 Life Skill as we believe that we are all in the business of sales. Realistically, when you enter a sales conversation, you are communicating about value and influencing your buyer to believe congruently that you have the solution to their problem and in truth, every conversation you have is a sale of influence.

Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about how those words are delivered and received. Skilled leaders understand the power of tone, pacing, and storytelling. Here are some key techniques to build a culture of skilled communicators:

Future-Pacing Conversations

Instead of saying, “We need to improve,” try, *“Imagine the impact we’ll have when we improve our client response time by 20%. It means happier clients, higher retention, and a stronger team.” Future-pacing helps listeners visualise the benefits of action, increasing motivation and buy-in.

Framing for Outcomes

Great communicators start with the end in mind. Instead of vague instructions, they use specific framing. To understand more how you can use this powerful communication tool, you can watch a Webinar that I did recently with Peter Cronin on the subject HERE (https://3sales.me/framing)

Mastering Tonality for Authority & Trust

Did you know that ending sentences on an upward tone makes you sound uncertain? Leaders who project confidence use a downward inflection, ensuring their words sound definitive rather than questioning.

Using the Right Modal Operators

Words like “try” or “might” weaken authority. Instead of saying, “I’ll try to send that report,” say, “I will send the report by 3 PM.” If you are leading a team, be one that your team can depend on. (in the wise words of Yoda – DO or DO NOT, there is no ‘try’)

The Power of Storytelling

Stories resonate more than facts. If you want to inspire action, frame your point within a relatable story. A leader who shares a personal challenge and its resolution creates emotional connection and engagement. They also give those looking for a mentor a framework for success.

Understanding Different Communication Preferences*

Some people process information visually (Visual communicators will respond more deeply when asked “Can you see the big picture?”), while others respond to auditory cues (“Does that sound good to you?”) or kinaesthetic language (“Let’s walk through this together.”).

Recognising and adapting to these preferences enhances rapport and understanding.

*In Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) this is a powerful way of tailoring your communication to land firmly. If you want to learn more about Communication styles, we at Life Puzzle developed a short tool to help you HERE.

Unlocking Your Communication Superpower

Language is an underrated superpower in leadership and business success. It’s not just about saying the right thing—it’s about saying it in a way that lands. Life Puzzle’s tailored training can refine these abilities, but practice and implementation is key.

To improve your communication abilities today:

Notice how your tone and word choices impact others.
Actively listen instead of mentally preparing your response.
Adapt your language to the person you’re speaking with.
Frame requests with clear outcomes.
Use storytelling to create connection and influence.

Strong skills in the workplace aren’t just about technical expertise; they’re about how effectively you engage and lead. Words are powerful tools—when used intentionally, they unlock success, build trust, and elevate leadership impact.

So, the next time you communicate, ask yourself: Am I just talking, or am I truly connecting?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How can leaders address the decline of soft skills within their teams?

Leaders can combat the erosion of soft skills by implementing a structured communication skills course that focuses on active listening, empathy, and adaptability. Encouraging mentorship and providing real-world opportunities to practice communication abilities fosters continuous improvement and ensures long-term impact.

What strategies can enhance communication between leaders and their teams?

To improve communication skills in the workplace, leaders should prioritise clarity, openness, and active listening. Establishing feedback mechanisms, using storytelling for engagement, and adapting communication styles to suit different audiences all contribute to a stronger team dynamic and increased collaboration. Good Team Rhythm includes structured and organised meetings to discuss strategy, develop a sharp agenda to ensure you stay on point and encourage open dialogue, round robin chairing and Mastermind Learning to supercharge these sessions for maximised productivity.

How does a lack of emotional intelligence impact team performance?

A deficiency in emotional intelligence often leads to misunderstandings, unresolved conflicts, and low morale. Leaders who struggle with this may face difficulties in building trust and fostering a cohesive team culture. Remember that a culture of continuous improvement means that even Leaders need to upskill too. To adapt and level up your communication, see the further reading included in this post, in particular, Radical Candour by Kim Scott

These titles have been selected and curated from our Tailored Leadership Program’s Executive Leadership Mastermind. To Learn more about this program CLICK HERE.

Why is adaptability in communication important for leaders?

Adaptability in communication is key to skilled leadership as it ensures leaders can effectively convey messages across diverse teams and situations. Leaders who tailor their approach based on audience preferences be that visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic, create stronger connections and improve message retention. The best presentations hit all of these emotional queues with ease. Consider developing a series of powerful metaphors that you can use to inspire, align and galvanise your audience.

Life Puzzle offers tailored Speaker and Presenting training, learn more HERE.

What role does feedback play in developing soft skills within a team?

Regular, constructive feedback is essential for developing strong communication skills and adaptability. Leaders who offer specific, actionable feedback create an environment where continuous learning is valued, fostering professional growth and improved communication across all levels of the organisation.

By focusing on these areas, leaders can effectively address the challenges posed by the decline of soft skills in the workplace, ensuring their teams remain engaged, communicative, and high-performing.

Examples of Great Communicators that will inspire you:

Studying exemplary communicators offers valuable insights into effective leadership communication. Here are a few notable figures:

Warren Buffett

Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Warren Buffett emphasizes clarity and simplicity in his communication. He believes that mastering the art of communication can significantly enhance one’s professional value. Buffett once told a class of business students that improving their communication skills could increase their value by 50% immediately. His annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders are lauded for their straightforwardness and transparency, making complex financial information accessible to all readers.

Mel Robbins

A dynamic motivational speaker and author, Mel Robbins is celebrated for her candid and relatable communication style. She connects with audiences by sharing personal experiences and practical advice, making her messages both impactful and actionable. Robbins’ approach demonstrates the power of authenticity and vulnerability in building trust and inspiring change.

Robert Cialdini

Renowned for his research on persuasion, Robert Cialdini has uncovered fundamental principles that make communication more influential. His seminal book, “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion,” outlines strategies such as reciprocity, commitment, and social proof. Cialdini’s work underscores the importance of understanding human psychology to craft messages that resonate and persuade.

Dr. Brené Brown

Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor, author, and speaker known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and leadership. Her personal, humorous, and deeply relatable communication style endears her to audiences worldwide. Brown’s TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time, demonstrating her ability to connect on an emotional level. By embracing authenticity, she inspires leaders to cultivate trust and meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings.