How Communication Shapes Influence and Impact
In today's fast-paced, digital-first world, effective communication isn't optional—it's essential. Whether you're pitching to a client, presenting to a board, or leading a team, your ability to clearly and confidently deliver a message directly shapes your influence, leadership credibility, and the results you achieve.
As an executive communications coach, I’ve seen firsthand that the most successful leaders and professionals all have one thing in common: they intentionally craft their communication to build trust, inspire action, and drive change.
If you want to increase your influence and maximize your impact, here’s how to do it with precision:
1. Master Clear, Consistent, and Transparent Communication
Trust is the currency of influence. To earn it, your communication must be:
Clear: Avoid jargon, ambiguity, and over-complication. Focus on delivering one key idea at a time.
Consistent: Align your words and actions across every platform—whether in a meeting, in writing, or on social media.
Transparent: Authenticity builds loyalty. When you communicate openly, even about challenges, you create deeper connection and respect.
Leaders who prioritize clarity and consistency are seen as more credible, reliable, and influential.
Pro Tip: Before any major communication (presentation, email, meeting), ask yourself: "What is the one feeling I want my audience to walk away with?" Let this guide your language and structure.
2. Use Storytelling as a Strategic Advantage
Storytelling isn't just a "nice to have"—it’s a high-impact communication tool. Research shows that people are more likely to remember a story than a list of facts.
To leverage storytelling for influence:
Share relevant personal experiences that align with your message.
Create a narrative arc—start with a relatable challenge, build to a turning point, and end with a clear resolution or takeaway.
Evoke emotion: People act when they feel something. Logic informs, but emotion moves people to decision.
Authentic, well-placed stories humanize your leadership and make your message unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Use the “Hero’s Journey” format for professional storytelling: Situation → Struggle → Solution → Success. Make your audience see themselves in your journey.
3. Listen as Intentionally as You Speak
True communication is a two-way street. Active listening is a critical but often overlooked leadership skill that directly impacts your ability to influence and connect.
To listen with influence:
Give your full attention—no distractions.
Reflect back what you hear to show understanding.
Ask clarifying questions to deepen the dialogue.
When people feel truly heard, they are more motivated, more loyal, and more likely to take action aligned with your vision.
Pro Tip: In your next conversation, aim for a 70/30 rule: listen 70% of the time, speak only 30%. You'll be amazed at the trust and insight you build.
4. Align Your Communication with Your Presence
Words matter—but so does how you deliver them. Your presence, tone, and non-verbal cues can either reinforce or undermine your message.
Key elements of powerful presence include:
Confident posture and body language
Steady, conversational tone
Eye contact that builds trust
Pauses that allow your message to land
When communication and presence are aligned, you command greater respect and significantly boost your influence.
Pro Tip: Record yourself practicing a key message or presentation. Watch with the sound off first to evaluate your body language alone. Then watch again with sound. You’ll quickly identify where alignment can improve.
Bottom Line:
Strong communication skills aren’t just about speaking well; they are the foundation of leadership, trust, and transformation. Every word, every story, every listening moment either strengthens or weakens your influence.
If you're ready to elevate your communication—and your impact—let’s work together. Customized coaching can help you develop the skills to connect, engage, and lead with exceptional confidence and clarity.
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are some other resources you might enjoy:
My book, "Dare To Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter": The winner of two Feathered Quill Book awards, and an Book Excellence award, and recommended by Forbes in 2022 as “a teaching memoir”.
My podcast, the "Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner" podcast: An award-winning and internationally streamed show that highlights powerful stories of re-creation and reinvention from guests who have taken their life experiences, and used that knowledge to create their “next chapters” and live their best lives.
My work as a keynote speaker, executive coach and communication expert. You can read more about more of my services here.
Interested in Taking Yourself or Your Executive Team to the Next Level?
Brunner Communications assists high-profile individuals and organizations in sharpening and developing top level business communication, executive presence, and public speaking skills. Our passionate team provides one-on-one executive business coaching, and runs specialized business workshops. Through customized training, clients learn the necessary skills to become great communicators and build a marketable reputation.
