Top Ten Ways to Communicate Like You Were Born to Lead

Sometimes CEOs are born for the job, but in my experience, most are carefully coached and need to be prepared for the good and bad that such a big title brings.

I recently worked with the anointed one at a major tech unicorn. In reality, Marie was more than qualified—she had worked there for almost seven years from its early days, had an MBA from Harvard, and knew the P&L and sales pitches like nobody else. But the ELT had some “tinkering” to help her shine in front of the investors, the board, and the global stage.

Any seasoned and professional executive can be great ‘on the tools, ’ but with the world of digital media everywhere, there is more demand for ways to refine and harness those everyday communications skills to be a CEO.

Strong communication skills are essential for any executive looking to become a CEO.

Here are the top 10 ways an executive can leverage communication skills to rise to the top:

1. Mastering Executive Presence

• Speak with confidence, clarity, and authority.
• Use body language, tone, and eye contact to command attention.

2. Storytelling to Inspire Others

• CEOs must craft compelling narratives aligning teams and stakeholders around a vision.
• Use storytelling to make complex ideas relatable and memorable.

3. Influencing and Persuasion

• Understand different audiences and tailor messages accordingly.
• Use logical arguments, emotional appeal, and credibility to win support.

4. Crisis Communication Mastery

• CEOs must remain calm and articulate under pressure.
• Communicate transparently and proactively to maintain trust.

5. Media Savviness

• Be prepared for all kinds of media interviews and public speaking opportunities.
• Handle tough questions with poise, empathy, and passion, and reinforce key messages without jargon.

6. Active Listening and Empathy

• A great CEO listens more than they speak.
• Demonstrating empathy fosters more substantial relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders.

7. Public Speaking Excellence

• Deliver powerful speeches at industry events, investor meetings, and company town halls.
• Engage audiences with a mix of data, storytelling, and charisma.

8. Clear and Concise Messaging

• Avoid jargon and speak in a way that everyone—from employees to investors—can understand.
• Make every word count, whether in meetings, emails, or speeches.

9. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

• CEOs constantly negotiate—whether with employees, partners, or regulators.
• Use strategic communication to achieve win-win outcomes.

10. Building a Strong Personal Brand

• Use social media, thought leadership, and networking to establish credibility.
• Be authentic and consistent in messaging to reinforce trust.

Which of these are most important for the executives you have worked with?

Do you need a boost? Here is how we can help you become a great communicator as a new or future CEO.