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Say Less, Lead More
Discover how to master executive communication, perfect concise messaging with the P-E-T method, and effectively lead through constant change.
In today's Career Pulse, gain insight into how:
Executive communication must evolve from detail-rich presentations to strategic impact summaries to maintain influence in high-level roles.
The P-E-T method (Pause, Edit, Talk) can transform your responses into clear, concise, and compelling messages that command attention.
Leaders can harness consistent and strategic communication to effectively navigate and instill confidence during periods of constant change.
These articles are penned by members of Forbes Coaches Council, leading business, career, and professional coaches shaping the future of this field.
Let’s dive in!
A brilliant VP's public stumble during a high-stakes presentation at a major tech company illuminates a critical lesson: the communication skills that propel individuals up the career ladder can become liabilities in executive roles.
Transitioning from being an expert in technical details to mastering executive influence through concise, strategic communication is essential, yet often overlooked.
Explore key insights below:
📉 The Expertise Trap: Being the smartest person in the room can backfire for new executives. Leaders must shift from detailed explanations to strategic impacts to maintain influence.
🚫 Avoiding Conflict: Executive presence is undermined by dodging tough conversations. Address issues directly to prevent overworking your team and losing credibility.
🔄 Tailored Communication Styles: Different stakeholders require different communication approaches. What wins over an engineering team won’t impress CMOs or CFOs who focus on market impacts and ROI.
Strategies for Effective Executive Communication:
Lead with Strategic Headlines: Start discussions with the key decision point to focus conversations and drive actionable outcomes.
Master the 'Strategic No': Use a connect-reframe-propose method to push back effectively and strategically align with shared goals.
Build Crisis Communication Skills: Thriving in constant crises demands acknowledging difficulties while inspiring progress and maintaining morale.

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Mastering Executive Presence: The P-E-T Method for Effective Communication
In high-stakes business environments, the ability to communicate clearly and concisely can make or break a career. A common challenge for rising leaders is delivering messages that are direct, relevant, and compelling.
The P-E-T (Pause, Edit, Talk) method offers a structured approach to ensure your communication is strategic and impactful.
Check out quick tips for clarity and influence:
🤐 Pause: Take a moment before responding. A thoughtful pause allows you to collect your thoughts and plan your words, projecting confidence and control.
✂️ Edit: Tailor your message for the audience. Focus on what they value—be it impact on business, actionable data, or personal relevance. Trim any extraneous details.
🗣️ Talk: Speak only after refining your message. Deliver points clearly and pause between thoughts to let your words resonate. Ensure each point is Relevant, Useful, and Meaningful (R-U-M).
Strategic Communication in Action:
When asked for your input in a meeting, use the P-E-T method to deliver a concise response that addresses the strategic needs and priorities of your listeners.
For example, highlight how a proposed change can save time and costs, directly aligning with the company’s current objectives, like cutting expenses or boosting productivity.
Effective Change Communication: Strategies for Executive Leaders
The ability to communicate transformations effectively is crucial for any leader. Miscommunication can lead to a cascade of negative outcomes, from decreased employee engagement to damaged customer confidence and eroded trust in leadership. Mastering change communication not only addresses these risks but also turns them into opportunities for increased buy-in and momentum.
Explore essential strategies for communicating change:
🎯 Start with 'Why': Explain the reasons behind changes before detailing what will change. Tailor this "why" to resonate with specific stakeholder groups, emphasizing how the change benefits them directly.
🔄 Consistency Over Charisma: Regular, reliable communication builds more influence than sporadic bursts of charm. Ensure your verbal messages and body language are aligned for authentic delivery.
📹 Visibility Matters: Use video calls to your advantage. Maintain eye contact with the camera to foster trust and ensure your posture and gestures are visible and engaging.
❓ Tackle Tough Questions Head-On: Address challenging inquiries with a three-step approach: acknowledge the concern, provide a truthful answer, and add value by explaining the benefits.
Wrapping Up
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