Unleashing Your Leadership Presence: The Art of Learning Effective Communication

As a leadership coach, I frequently ask participants in my workshops this question: when you’re preparing for a challenging conversation with a team member or client, how much time do you spend deciding on the words you will use versus how you say it. What about the tone of your voice, your body language? Learning Effective Communication is more about how you say things rather than what you say.

Communication goes beyond the words we use. Our message is also conveyed non-verbally, which means that our voice and body language are also communicating a message. Our voice reveals our hidden emotions, sincerity, confidence and self-belief. Words alone do not tell the full story. Meaning that Learning effective communication skills are not quite as simple as it seems – however, some quick tips and information can go a long way.

So as a leader, it is worthwhile asking ourselves what message am I communicating to my team and colleagues. Is my voice or body language in conflict with my words?

People will prioritise what they see and the tone they hear over the words that I use.

Sheryl Sandberg: A Masterclass in Effective Leadership Presence and Learning Effective Communication

Let’s consider a real-life example. We all have encountered leaders who have a commanding presence. One such leader is Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. When you observe Sandberg speak in an interview or a conference, her style is a unique mix of confidence, empathy, and authenticity. These qualities stem from the way she delivers them as well as the words she uses.

Sandberg speaks with clarity and maintains steady eye contact, indicating focus and sincerity. Her tone is assertive but not aggressive, showing conviction in her beliefs while also displaying respect for others’ viewpoints. Her body language is open and relaxed, a sign of confidence and openness to dialogue. All of these aspects of her non-verbal communication contribute to her leadership presence.

Leadership presence is the result of our communication techniques and the impact this has on others.

Let’s delve in to understand how you can use your communication style to help you become a stronger more impactful leader and enjoy greater success.

The Stanford Experiment: A Lesson in Voice Perception

I often prompt the trainees in my programmes to reflect on an experiment carried out at Stanford University in 2002. This experiment holds powerful implications for understanding how we communicate.

 A Stanford professor recorded conversations between doctors and their patients. Remarkably, some of these doctors had a history of being sued. Listeners could not hear the actual words which the doctors used with their patients – only the sound of the conversation. The intriguing part was that even with distorted sound, listeners could accurately identify which doctors had faced lawsuits. 

They identified this purely based on the sound of their voices: the tone. 

This study reveals the unspoken power of voice. Those with lawsuits had a more dominant, hostile, and less empathetic style, while the others demonstrated warmth and understanding. This is a striking example of how our voices act as a clear mirror reflecting our true intentions and character.

Just like in the Stanford experiment, leaders in the business world also project their character and intentions through their voices. At work every interaction – be it a team meeting, a one-on-one conversation, or a company-wide presentation – offers leaders an opportunity to create a positive impact. However, a commanding voice that lacks empathy can alienate team members just as the voices of the doctors in the experiment who had been sued.

This is a great example of how what you say is not as important as you think. Learning to effectively communicate with other people is deep-rooted in non-verbal communication.

The Voice: Your Secret Weapon in Effective Leadership & Communication

When you communicate with a group, be it customers or colleagues, they are not just interpreting your words. They are actively “reading” your voice subconsciously looking for hidden agendas, disguised emotions, and signs of authenticity. This highlights the importance of vocal communication.

Think about the powerful effect your voice can have as a leader. A small change in tone can make a message seem sarcastic, concerned, or confident. Speaking louder and with more energy can get everyone’s attention, be more motivational because it shows strong emotion. It shows self belief. It shows that you care, so your team are more likely to want to follow you and get on board.

As a new manager, you may focus a lot on what you say to your team. After all, the right words can inspire, motivate, and guide. However, how you say those words can be just as critical, if not more so. The tonality, pace, and inflection of your voice can provide a wealth of information that goes beyond mere words. Many new managers talk to me about how they lack self confidence and that pesky imposter syndrome. I get these new managers to think about the impact of their voice. 

As a leader, your voice isn’t just a tool—it’s a powerful force that can change how your team sees things and how they feel. Understanding and using this power can make you a better and more effective leader.

The Limbic System and Paralinguistic Communication 

The University of Geneva scientists discovered that our limbic system, the seat of emotions, responds distinctly to words spoken in various emotional states. This emphasises the deep connection between our feelings and the cues conveyed through our voice.

Here are six tips to guide you in mastering your verbal communication during presentations, weekly team meetings, or managing difficult conversations with customers: 

1. Breathe Before You Begin: Take a moment to pause. Deep breaths will help you sound focused and in control.
2. Modulate Your Voice: Avoid monotone delivery by varying your vocal range and tone. To find your optimal pitch, try the sounds “um hum, um hum, um hum” before starting.
3. Stay Focused: Maintain eye contact with your audience and eliminate distractions. Your concentration is reflected in your voice. 
4. Stand Tall: Whenever possible, stand. This posture will inject more energy and confidence into your voice. 
5. Smile: Allow your enthusiasm to shine through by smiling while you speak. Remember, speaking “with a smile in your voice” can work wonders. 
6. Match Your Listeners: Adapt your speech speed, volume, and tone to match your audience. Aligning with their communication style increases the likelihood of them accepting your message.

Elevate Your Leadership with Maureen Sullivan

The power of vocal communication in leadership cannot be underestimated. It’s an art that goes beyond the spoken words, it’s about the tone, the pace, and the authentic emotions you convey. Learning effective communication can significantly enhance your leadership presence, making you more effective and influential as a leader. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Maureen Sullivan’s Leadership Programmes are tailored to help you develop and hone these very skills. Our programmes provide you with the tools and strategies you need to communicate more effectively, resonate with your audience, and amplify your impact as a leader. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock your full potential. Your voice has the power to inspire – let us show you how.