This week in the world’s #1 newsletter on leadership communication:
- How to Become a Top 1% Communicator
- Tell Better Stories
- Speak Like a Scientist
- “Humans aren’t a resource. They are the point.”
How to Become a Top 1% Communicator
If you became a top 1% communicator, would it get you closer to achieving your dreams?
My guess is that it would get you closer. Much closer.
At least it has always been that way for me. Moving to London as a student. Landing a coveted job in Brussels straight out of university. Building a successful business. Approaching my now wife at a party.
Honing my communication skills has brought me so much joy that I decided to make it my life’s mission to help others achieve the same.
Yet when working with leaders, I often notice that there is something that holds them back.
Something in their heads. And that something stands between them and their dreams.
A limiting belief.
Here are the 7 most common limiting beliefs and how you can turn them to your advantage:
#1 I am not a natural
Nor was I. Great leaders and communicators are made, not born.
Working on your communication skills is your growth mindset in action.
#2 I am an introvert
Many of the most charismatic speakers and thought leaders you admire are also introverts.
Personally, I have worked with lots of introverts who became powerful communicators. They are often more motivated to develop these skills than extroverts who sometimes believe that they can wing it.
#3 I don’t have time
Being a mediocre communicator is a huge time suck. On a daily basis, they don’t know how to structure and memorize a presentation or what formula they can use to write a memo.
Worse, over the course of a career, they may be stuck in a mediocre job and waste years. All because they didn’t learn how to communicate their ideas with impact.
In reality, being a great communicator is a huge time saver.
#4 I don’t have the resources
My books, podcasts and this newsletter give you all the information you need. And our Speak Like a CEO Academy is an affordable way to implement what you’ve learnt with me and a fun group of people.
#5 My organization doesn’t care
You don’t need an organization to work on your skill set.
And if they really don’t value your skills or communication skills in general, maybe they are stuck in the industrial age. (See below: “Humans aren’t a resource. They are the point.”)
#6 I am not confident
Confidence is an output. It is the result of preparation + past successes + intrinsic self-esteem + your support system.
Create evidence that you are a strong communicator by preparing like a champ and building a track record.
#7 I don’t like to watch myself or listen to my voice
That one is real. No one does at the beginning, but you get used to it. And those who do improve so fast, you wouldn’t believe it.
Surprisingly, it is not that hard to join the ranks of the top 1% of communicators.
That’s because the vast majority doesn’t invest in their communication skills. They linger on the ok plateau.
Since you are reading these lines, you are already close to joining the top 1%. Keep going!
OLIVER'S RECOMMENDATION CORNER
Tell Better Stories
My friend Jeremy Connell-Waite has created a FREE 72-part Storytelling Masterclass to help you tell better stories.
Not everyone has the time or resources to sign up for long or expensive storytelling courses, so I thought it might help if shared this masterclass with you.
It's an elegant little website that collects his 9 storytelling principles, alongside an extensive collection of educational and engaging content for each one.
Check out BetterStories here.
PODCAST
Speak Like a Scientist
If you are a scientist, engineer or deal with technical topics, this one's for you.
This week I am a guest on Mark Bayer’s When Science Speaks podcast to give you the strategies to create clarity out of complexity. Mark is one of the world’s preeminent experts on science communication who has helped hundreds of scientists to communicate with impact and clarity.
During the episode, I highlight common communication challenges and offer strategies for improvement, such as using clear structures, storytelling, and simplifying language. I also emphasize the importance of understanding one's audience and dealing with linguistic nuances for non-native English speakers.
Listen on Spotify and Apple:
BOOK
“Humans aren’t a resource. They are the point.”
Last week I had the huge pleasure of recording an episode of Speak Like a CEO with Seth Godin. We discussed his forthcoming book "This is Strategy" as well as his 2023 book "The Song of Significance" which deeply resonated with me.
In the latter, the 21-time bestselling author re-envisions what work and leadership can be. The choice is simple, he writes: "Management runs a race to the bottom; leadership offers a chance to run for the top.“
"We can endure the hangover of industrial capitalism and join in the AI-fueled race to the bottom. Or we come together to build a significant organization that enrolls, empowers, and trusts everyone to deliver their best work."
We will release my conversation with Seth in October to coincide with the publication of "This is Strategy". In the meantime, check out the timely and necessary "Song of Significance".
On that note...
Have an inspired weekend!
Best,
Oliver
PS: Share this newsletter with your friends & colleagues here.