Clear Communication Skills

Most leaders undermine themselves without realizing it. It happens in every email they send. I've coached 100s of CEOs who wonder why their emails get ignored. The pattern is clear: They write like they're asking for permission instead of leading. ❌ "Let me know if this works for you..." ❌ "I think there might be an issue..." ❌ "Hope this email finds you well..." ❌ "I was just wondering if maybe..." ❌ "Whenever you get a chance..." ❌ "Just following up again..." ❌ "Does that make sense?" ❌ "Sorry to bother you..." ❌ "I'll try to get it done..." ❌ "I'm no expert, but..." ❌ "Sorry for the delay!" ❌ "I hate to ask, but..." These phrases scream uncertainty. They make recipients think your message isn't worth their time. Great leaders write differently: ✅ "I need your help with this." ✅ "I'll have this to you by 3pm." ✅ "Can you confirm by Friday?" ✅ "Thank you for your patience." ✅ "I need your expertise on this." ✅ "Have you had time to review?" ✅ "What questions do you have?" ✅ "This needs attention by [date]." ✅ "I've identified a problem with..." ✅ "Hi Sarah, I'm reaching out about..." ✅ "Based on the data, I recommend..." ✅ "Please confirm you can meet this deadline." Notice the difference? Clear expectations.  Direct language.  Zero apologies. This isn't about being harsh. It's about being clear. When you water down your language, people assume: Your request isn't important.  You're not confident in your ask.  They can deprioritize your email. But when you write with conviction: People respond faster Decisions happen quicker Your ideas carry more weight The most successful leaders I know don't write longer emails. They write clearer ones. They don't use more words. They use better ones. Your communication style is your leadership brand. And every weak phrase dilutes it. So starting today, lead with clarity. Write like the leader you are. Watch how quickly things change. ♻️ Repost to help a leader in your network. Follow Eric Partaker for more communication insights. — 📌 Want a PDF of my Email Cheat Sheet? Get it free, plus 100+ tools & frameworks  to help you lead confidently & scale faster:  https://lnkd.in/gXhxGDJQ

💔 “The Brilliant Woman Who Was Interrupted 7 Times in 5 Minutes” During a leadership workshop, one of my clients shared something that stayed with me. Her voice broke a little as she said: 👉 “I counted… seven times in five minutes. They cut me off. By the end, I just gave up speaking.” I watched her eyes as she spoke. They weren’t just narrating an incident—they were telling the story of exhaustion. She described the scene in detail: The sharp tone of the first interruption. The laughter after the second. The shuffling of papers as if her words didn’t matter. By the fourth, her shoulders slumped. By the seventh, silence swallowed her brilliance. That moment pierced me. Because she didn’t just lose her voice in that meeting—she lost an opportunity to influence. And the room lost the chance to hear an idea that could have shaped strategy. 🚧 The Obstacle Gender bias doesn’t always announce itself. It creeps in quietly. In how often a woman is cut off. In how her ideas are overlooked until someone else repeats them. In how she’s told—implicitly or explicitly—to “be patient, wait your turn.” And here’s the truth: brilliance shouldn’t need permission to exist. 💡 How I Helped as a Communication Skills Trainer We worked on three things: ✔️ #AssertiveCommunication – rehearsing responses to interruptions that were firm but professional. ✔️ Power phrases – short, sharp lines that create space and command attention. ✔️ #ExecutivePresence – voice control, body language, and the subtle shifts that make people pause and listen. ✨ The Transformation At her next boardroom meeting, she walked in differently. She wasn’t waiting for permission. She wasn’t hoping not to be interrupted. She was ready. She didn’t just speak. She owned the table. And the most powerful part? The very people who had once interrupted her… leaned in, took notes, and listened. 🌍 The Learning As leaders, we must recognize that #GenderBias in communication is not imaginary. It’s real. It’s silent. And it shapes careers every single day. That’s why assertiveness training isn’t optional for women leaders. It’s #Leadership. It’s #Survival. It’s #Power. ⸻ 🔑 For Leaders Reading This: Have you ever witnessed brilliance being silenced in your boardroom? The bigger question is—what did you do about it?

Why don’t I get engagement on my posts😢 This is the most common question. I’m back on LinkedIn after a 2-week break. Shift your focus from engagement to adding value and you’ll get there…slowly Meanwhile, here’s my post on how to elevate your email communication. Let’s delve into the heartbeat of modern communication - emails! They’re more than mere text; they’re your voice, your presence, and your professional persona. Unleashing the power of impactful email communication can set you miles ahead. 🌟 Clarity: Ever received an email that left you baffled? Clear and concise communication is the cornerstone. Convey your message within the first few lines. For Example, swap “Regarding the meeting” with “Confirming our meeting on [date].” Simple, right? 🌟 Tone: Your tone should resonate with the context. Whether it’s a formal business proposal or a friendly follow-up, strike the right balance. For Example, “We appreciate your input” exudes gratitude, while “You need to fix this” might sound a bit abrupt. 🌟 Structure: Organize your thoughts. Begin with a friendly greeting, segue into your purpose, and wrap it up with a clear call to action. Steer clear of lengthy paragraphs—break them into digestible chunks for seamless reading. 🚫 Common Mistakes to Sidestep: 1. Rambling: Stick to the point. 2. Grammar Blunders: Proofread for professionalism. 3. Neglecting Subject Line: Your first impression matters. 4. Ignoring Formatting: Cluttered emails confuse recipients. Remember, each email is a chance to leave a lasting impression. Ready to take your email game to unparalleled heights? As someone who has successfully trained over 1000 students and numerous corporate employees on various aspects of communication, I’m here to empower you! 🌐🗣️ If you’re an individual aiming to enhance your communication skills or a corporate entity seeking workshops spanning diverse soft skills 🌟 Email etiquette, 🌟 Business communication, 🌟 Personality development, 🌟 team building, 🌟 Interpersonal skills I’m at your service 🚀 Don’t hesitate to DM me and let’s discuss how we can collaborate on training sessions, webinars, or seminars tailored to your unique needs.

One of the communication challenges that my female clients wrestle with is how to “merge” into a work conversation that’s already happening — especially a conversation of male counterparts. In addition to our work exploring the mindsets and cultural norms that make interrupting feel like it’s not an option (which it is), we discuss enrolling allies in the meeting who will, at best, invite you into the conversation or, at least, notice when you’re trying to merge in. We also practice merging phrases such as: “Excuse me. I have something to add.” “I’m going to interrupt here. I want to share my perspective.” “Before you move on, I have something to share…” “Wait a sec; I haven’t spoken yet.” “Bill? I have something to say on this.” In your next meeting, please notice who might be trying to merge into the discussion — and invite them in. “Allie, did you have something you wanted to say?” #communication #leadership #womenleaders #DEIB #genderequity #meetings #allyship

Over the past 3 years, I have presented the ZaZaZu business case at INSEAD over 12 times, in front of over 500 students. Each time, I see the same pattern: 👀 Despite ZaZaZu being a sexual well-being platform made for women, by women, female students are at least twice as unlikely to raise their hands to ask a question or make a statement compared to male students. And it doesn’t stop there. During group work, where students collaborate to solve the business case, I notice something even more revealing: 🔹 Women often do the heavy lifting - researching, structuring, refining arguments - while men step forward to present the final solution. 🔹 Women hesitate to challenge flawed ideas, even when they see the gaps, while men defend their points with confidence, whether they are right or not. 🔹 Women default to the 'supporter' role, organizing the discussion and making sure the group dynamic works - but rarely claiming the leadership seat. And when it comes to speaking up, women hold back for deeper, more ingrained reasons: 1️⃣ They self-edit before they speak. Instead of thinking “Is this idea valuable?”, they ask “Is this idea good enough?” - and often decide it’s not. 2️⃣ They don’t own their expertise. Instead of stating their opinion, they cushion it with “I don't know whether it makes sense, but…” or “Just my two cents…”, diminishing their own credibility. 3️⃣ They prioritize group harmony over personal visibility. They want to be respected, not disruptive - so they let others take the floor. 4️⃣ They absorb criticism differently. A man hears “You need to be more assertive” and takes it as a challenge. A woman hears the same and wonders, “Did I say something wrong?” And these are some of the world's brightest women... 🚀 This is why Uma, Grace, and I have created a 4-week program for women - - ⭐ From HIDDEN Talent to VISIBLE Leader ⭐ Because too many women are waiting to be noticed - when they should be taking control of their careers. Check out the full breakdown of the program here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dXsA8Min 📅 The cohort closes on Monday, March 17. 👊 Brilliance in silence is still invisible. If no one knows what you bring to the table, it’s like you were never there.

In the drive for climate solutions, our greatest barrier isn't always technology or policy – it's articulation. The most brilliant ideas can falter if they remain locked in dense reports or academic jargon, inaccessible to the very people we need to inspire and engage. This articulation gap is precisely where the next subject of my #HumansOfSydneyClimateAction series, @Nonnie Oldham (a.k.a. 'The Wordsmith'), does her most vital work. My photo essay (LinkedIn Article below 👇🏼) charts her path from a confronting experience in an open-cut coal mine towards public policy, where she mastered the art of language. Today, she channels that expertise into empowering climate-focused organisations, amongst other clients. Nonnie transforms their complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that can actually drive change. Her story is a powerful validation for every writer, editor and communicator who has ever questioned their place in the climate movement. It confirms that the ability to bring clarity to complexity is not just a 'soft skill' – it's a critical tool for progress. Like the other inspiring individuals featured in this series, Nonnie is part of the vibrant Climate Crew community here in Sydney (CC.SYD), where people with diverse professional skills converge to create impact. ➡️ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲'𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 and how she wields language for change in the full photo essay linked below. 💬 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆. What’s a complex climate topic you believe desperately needs a 'wordsmith' to make it more accessible to the public, and why? Share your thoughts below! 👣 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 and the #HumansOfSydneyClimateAction hashtag for an inspiring story every week. 📸 If Nonnie's story sparks ideas for how 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, I’d love to connect and discuss bringing your work to life. ➡️ You can explore all published stories, including Nonnie's, on my website (button at the top of my LinkedIn profile). Catch up on my features on Monica P. ('The Urban Rewilder'), Sally Giblin ('The Playmaker'), Julie Perrissel ('The Charge Connector'), Kelly Mitchell ('The Brand Architect'), Colin Finn ('The Ecosystem Engineer') and Rob Chan ('The Drive Decarboniser'). #ClimateCommunication #StorytellingForImpact #ClimateCareers #Sydney

Stop teaching women to be confident. We don’t need another pep talk. We don’t need more “you got this” speeches or workshops on how to feel stronger. Because let’s be real: women already are confident. They study. They deliver results. They lead teams. They launch businesses. They have the expertise. Confidence isn’t the problem. The real gap? 👉 Credibility — when a man speaks, authority is assumed. When a woman speaks, her credibility is questioned. 👉 Self-trust — not “can I do it?” but “do I trust myself enough to stop apologizing, overexplaining, or shrinking when I do it?” And yes, this is maddening to witness: we’ve all seen mediocrity celebrated as authority on one side of the table, while brilliance gets interrogated on the other. Double standards drive me crazy. So instead of pushing women to “fix themselves” with more confidence, the work is two-fold: ⚡ Fix the systems that undermine them. ⚡ Practice the subtle shifts that close the credibility gap. Here’s the simple micro-framework I share with clients when influence feels harder than it should: 1️⃣ Align — Anchor in what actually matters: your values, your expertise, your goals. And ask yourself the hardest question: am I sitting at the right table? Because if you’re at the wrong one, it’s like fighting windmills. No amount of “confidence” will make that worth it. 2️⃣ State — Share your perspective clearly. No hedging. No over-explaining. No apologizing for taking space. This is the one piece where practice is everything — the muscle you build each time you refuse to downplay yourself. 3️⃣ Evidence — Back it up with data, examples, proof. Unfair? Absolutely. Necessary? Yes. Because credibility isn’t handed to us the way it is to others. We build it, brick by brick. Here’s the secret: 👉 Just “being confident” without credibility, without alignment, without self-trust… is like shouting into the wind. 👉 Alignment + clarity + evidence? That’s what shifts the room. And no, you don’t have to wake up every day ready to “fix the system” by yourself. None of us do. But every aligned statement, every piece of evidence, every time you refuse to shrink — you’re not just protecting your seat. You’re reshaping the table. Now tell me: when was the last time you noticed credibility being assumed for someone else… and questioned for you? (And if this hit home: my DMs are open.)

Have you encountered angry emails before? Very early in my career, I was in a product management role where I had to deal with internal and external partners alike. There was this email from a partner that came with a specific request but it couldn’t be done. And being young and inexperienced, I just replied accordingly in a straightforward way that it cannot be done. Then, the angry email came. And my boss’s boss was copied. I was very scared. My career was going downhill before it could even go uphill! She immediately took me aside to coach me on what happened - I hadn’t sensed the urgency and concern and had responded without empathy. Hence, the partner was very angry. She laid out a framework to respond, and asked me to try again. I applied the framework and interestingly the partner simmered down and we could work together thereafter to address his concerns. Here’s the framework: - Empathise by acknowledge their frustration/concern. - Explain what we have tried thus far. - Provide context or reason if we cannot support. - Offer some alternatives if possible. Over the years, I’ve also applied other techniques of effective email writing: 📧Use the @ function in Outlook to attention to the recipient prominently I.e. @jene.lim@experian.com 📧Your ask should be prominently in the first two sentences, with context and details below if reader wants to read. 📧Write to address intent (understand where the other party is coming from). 📧Ask a few questions in a go with different scenarios to avoid to and fro. For instance, “ Do you have this? If yes, what is the price? If no, what else can you offer etc.” 🙋♀️How about you? What’s your tips on writing good emails? #career #work #personaldevelopment #effectiveness #jenelim

Have you ever sent an email and instantly wished you could take it back? Priya did. Fresh out of college, two weeks into her first job, she sent a department-wide email with the subject line “URGENT NEED YOUR HELP!!!” The CEO was copied too. That one email changed how people saw her. But it also became the start of her biggest learning curve. In three months, she went from being the intern everyone pitied to the team member trusted with client communication. Here is what she learned about writing professional emails that actually work: 1. Tone matters. All caps and too many exclamation marks do not show urgency. They show panic. How you write is how people hear you. 2. Attach before you write. Add the file first, then type your message. It is the simplest way to avoid the classic mistake of forgetting the attachment. 3. Check before hitting Reply All. One careless click can embarrass you in front of the entire company. Always double-check who is receiving your message. 4. Write clear subject lines. “Need your input by 3 PM today” is better than “Hello.” Be specific. It helps others prioritise and respond faster. 5. Proofread every word. Names, dates, and grammar reflect your attention to detail. Read your email aloud. If it sounds wrong, it probably is. 6. Keep it short. Most professionals skim. Make your point in the first few lines. Use short paragraphs or bullet points. 7. Be polite but firm. “Could you please” gets better results than “You missed the deadline.” It is not about being soft. It is about being professional. Priya did not just learn to write better emails. She learned how clarity builds trust and how respect earns attention. Every email you send either strengthens your reputation or weakens it. The next time you hit send, remember this. Your words carry your voice even when you are not in the room. ♻️ If this resonated with you, please share it with others in your network.

Lately I’ve been obsessed with this question: Why do some climate messages move people—and others don’t? In a new episode of Bloomberg Television's new show Quantum Marketing by Raja Rajamannar, Pranav Yadav (CEO of Neuro-Insight) breaks down how the brain actually responds to storytelling—and how that applies to climate advocacy. Around the 17-minute mark, he analyzes a well-produced climate ad and explains, through neuromarketing data, why it doesn’t stick. The key insight? Psychological distance. The ad talks about climate change, but not in a way that connects to people's personal context—what they care about in their day-to-day lives. And when something feels distant—geographically, emotionally, or temporally—the brain tunes it out. It fails to encode in memory, which means it doesn’t influence behavior. What does work? Stories that activate memory encoding by making the stakes immediate and relatable. That connect to identity, not just intellect. That meet people where they are—then move them. This kind of research lights me up. It’s why I believe we’re at an inflection point in climate storytelling. At TIME, we’re working to reframe climate not just as an environmental issue, but as an economic one. A human one. A business one. If you're doing research in this space—neuroscience, behavioral design, storytelling strategy—or want to help us build a better framework for climate narratives, let’s talk. We need to scale these insights and we have the tools to do it. Watch the whole video but especially the last bit after 17 min if you're thinking about how to communicate urgency, value, and impact in this moment. 🎥 https://lnkd.in/et_uK4c6 #climatecommunications #neuromarketing #behaviorchange #storytelling #TIME #climateaction #businesscaseforclimate