The Leading Edge: Speak Well – Lead Well
I don’t know about you, but growing up in school I hated English class. More than anything I hated to write. What was the point?
Now, decades later, I realize the point. Writing and reading have helped me learn how to think and, even more importantly, how to communicate my thoughts clearly. Communication occurs daily through e-mails, texts, other forms of messaging, and always verbally. What does that have to do with leading?
In order for anyone to lead well, he or she must be able to communicate and connect with others. Instead of focusing on the speaker, connection creates an interaction that makes the listener the primary focus. Anyone can read a speech, but not everyone can connect with those they lead or desire to lead.
As a leader my job is to communicate regularly about strategy, vision, implementation, expectations and more. The question is, how can you communicate in a manner that connects with the people you lead? Implement the following four ideas to help improve your public speaking and therefore improve your leadership.
Purposeful – Each one of us has only 24 hours in our day. When I have the opportunity to speak in front of people, I want to make sure I maximize the experience for all involved. Whether I am leading a small group of people or speaking in front of hundreds of people, I must have a clear agenda. The agenda may be broad, such as learning about another person’s life experiences and adding value to them. Or it may be narrow, such as how to implement a strategic plan. No matter the message, if I have a clear purpose, this and the following principles will help me connect more effectively.
Clear – I have been around leaders who speak and people listen, but when I ask what the leader said, the audience is not certain. This is a matter of clarity. A leader must clearly explain what they expect to prevent confusion and frustration, both for the leader and for those that they lead.
Concise – Early in my career I had the opportunity to be around a leader who communicated in a very simple manner. When he was finished delivering his message, he would bring his team together and he would focus on three points. He would state that information in a manner that was brief and left no confusion for those who were listening. I took note of that and, as a leader who speaks in front of others, I do not want to lose the audience’s attention by using too many words. It’s easy! Keep it simple.
Personal – As a member of the John Maxwell Team, I have learned how critical this area is to effective communication. When I share a personal story that relates to those I lead, it connects with them and builds my credibility. It’s important to be authentic and appropriately personal in your communication with the people you lead.
If you find that your ability to lead through your message is struggling, start with the above four tips and continue to develop your ability to speak effectively and with purpose. Grow your speaking skills daily and you will increase your leadership effectiveness.
Like Randy, you too can become a top speaker. Become part of the John Maxwell Team today!
About Randy:
Throughout his professional career Randy has helped individuals and teams work toward reaching their goals and developing as leaders where they are. He has a Masters in Organizational Leadership which he uses in combination with being a member of the John Maxwell Team to help individuals develop their personal and professional leadership skills in a way that will broaden their impact among their colleagues, friends, and family. He lives in Fishers, Indiana with his wife and three sons.