5 Powerful Communication Secrets of Truly Great Leaders

Picture it. A sea of faces, all eagerly awaiting your next words. A bright stage, subtly drawing all eyes to the sole figure in the spotlight. This is the image of a leader who can command any crowd, captivating them with charisma, assurance, and adept communication skills.

The reality is that these kinds of leaders are actually cultivated with time and effort. It doesn’t have to be an innate gift. All it takes is the will to develop some powerful communication skills, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an exceptional leader. Here are five communication skills that have the power to take your leadership from good to great. 

1. Make it personal: The power of storytelling.  Have you ever spoken to someone and instantly felt that inexplicable connection that makes them feel more like a friend than a stranger? The key to developing that experience in every interaction is sharing a little bit about yourself. Don’t be afraid to relate some of your backstory and the experiences that have made you who you are. Sharing your story and creating a space for open communication will make people around you feel more comfortable doing the same. Before you know it, you’re enjoying a truly personal conversation. 
2. Be gentle: The difference in tone can make all the difference.  Think about the tone you take when you speak to a group of people (or when you speak to a crowd on a stage). Are you calm and soothing, or do you tend to get a little worked up—addressing the group in a near shout? If it’s the latter, make a point to tone things down. Be patient and get your point across with a sense of careful, measured calm. Being a great leader and excelling at communication is as much about respecting others as it is about being respected.
3. Truly listen: The underrated art of empathy.  Can you remember a time—maybe early in your career—when someone in a position of authority over you stopped and listened to you?  We don’t mean a casual acknowledgment that you’ve spoken. We are talking about the kind of sincere, wholehearted listening that makes you feel truly seen and heard. It’s a gift to experience that kind of empathy, especially from someone in a position of power over you. Be sure to give that gift to your people regularly. 
4. Stand out: Make your mark, your way.  It’s important that every interaction you have with another person leaves a lasting impact. After all, when it comes to good communication, being remembered is half the battle. Maybe you’re not the kind of leader who is remembered for making grand speeches in front of crowds. That’s not a problem—there are all kinds of leaders, and each of them has a different way of standing out. The important thing is that you develop your own unique leadership brand, so that people always know when it is you who is in the spotlight. 
5. Keep an open mind: Different people, different stories.  When it comes to leadership and communication, one of the most common pitfalls to avoid is the closed mind. Don’t jump to conclusions about what others are telling you. Don’t be so quick to ignore someone’s idea or suggestion before you even understand where they came from. Every person has a different story and a different way of perceiving the world. As a truly great leader, one of your jobs is to uncover those stories. Be open-minded and remember that every person is an entirely new opportunity for interaction, listening, and communication.