Effective Leaders Must Communicate with Clarity and Brevity. Here's How.

Communicating effectively is one of the most important factors in business success. A strong leader must be able to clearly and succinctly express their ideas, goals, and needs in a way that engages and motivates stakeholders. Yet executives can struggle to get to the main point, over explain, use flowery jargon, or even speak in riddles. Know anyone like that? Or, perhaps you struggle here. To combat this, I recommend employing  the following 8 strategies that have proven helpful to my executive coaching clients:

1. Plan Before Speaking or Writing: Think about the main point you want to convey. Outline your key points to avoid rambling.Challenge self to use the fewest words possible without sacrificing clarity.
2. Use Clear and Direct Language: Choose words that convey your message effectively. Avoid unnecessary jargon and filler words.Limit Qualifiers (e.g., very, really, actually, etc.) that can be removed without losing meaning. Be confident and assertive in your statements.
3. Focus on the Main Message: Identify the core message and eliminate extraneous details that cause listeners to “check out” or mentally “move on”. Stay on topic and avoid tangents.Use the 5 W’s and 1 H method to answer the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions concisely to ensure all necessary information is covered.
4. Be Mindful of Your Audience: Tailor your message to the knowledge level and interests of your audience.Avoid over-explaining concepts they are already familiar with.Remember when speaking to a busy senior executive, “less is more”.
5. Listen with Open Ears: Actively listen for understanding vs. responding.Clear away the clutter from your head so you can hear and respond accordingly.Avoid interrupting. 
6. Use Visual Aids When Appropriate: Diagrams, charts, and other visuals can help convey complex information more succinctly.Ensure that visuals complement your message rather than complicate it.
7. Practice Regularly: Engage in exercises that encourage brevity, such as summarizing articles or giving elevator pitches. Seek opportunities to practice in both written and spoken formats.
8. Gain Feedback:Pick stakeholders who you trust to provide regular feedback on your progress. Be open to their suggestions and adjust accordingly.

Leaders who consistently apply these strategies over time become more direct, clear, and succinct communicators. And, ultimately, more effective leaders. Which ones will you start tomorrow?