4 Books on Articulation & Why Leaders Should Articulate Better

I was about to receive a big promotion – bigger than any I had ever received, so I called my mentor immediately. In the exhilaration and terror, I needed some advice.

He said, “It’s critical that you learn how to articulate better.”

I chuckled because I was known for that skill.

He quickly said, “I’m serious.”

He added, “You are going to have conversations, meetings, and emails that you are sure are clear, concise, and understood.”

“In fact, you will be certain that you’ve delivered a message because you confirmed receipt. Nonetheless, your message was lost, misunderstood, and simply unheard.” 

Great leaders deliver clear, succinct messages that land as intended.

If you would like clarity to be your calling card, I’ve assembled some great books on articulation to strengthen your communication.

Just Listen by Mark Goulston

​It may seem odd to begin a recommendation on articulation with a suggestion to “Just Listen.”

Yet, if you would like to know how to improve speech articulation, we have to begin with listening.

Dr. Goulston gives advice for active listening, which, when implemented, will make us far more effective at improving our articulation because we are customizing our response to the listening. 

Reflect on conversations where you have first felt heard and then openly received a message that you might not have been open to hearing. That’s the sequence. 

Tip: Use this book as the foundation for crafting customized, empathetic, and impactful responses. 

Pitch Perfect by Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman

Another aspect of clear communication that unties, inspires, and moves your organization forward is to:

Say the right thing to the right person at the right time and in the right way. 

One of my favorite quotes, attributed to Voltaire (and others), is:

I apologize for the length of this note, as I didn’t have time to write a short one.

It’s always easier to keep talking, explaining, and going on. However, that can sound as if we’re trying to defend a point instead of delivering a message.

Succinct is clear, kind, and memorable. 

Tip: Use this read to further customize, articulate, and connect more effectively with anyone.

Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo

If you have followed my other writings, then you know what a fan I am of Ted Talks, as are so many people. As you probably assumed, there is intention based on research for the length and delivery of a Ted Talk.

As a leader, you will deliver countless presentations to varying-sized audiences. No matter the variable, this book will help you craft your message into a digestible length and present it in a way that is interesting, memorable, and impactful.

Much of your work as a leader involves communication, so the clearer you can articulate, the more successful your organization will be. 

Tip: Make every presentation a powerful Ted Talk with these guidelines. 

Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

If you want your messages to resonate with your team, it’s crucial to understand the concept of “stickiness.”

This means making your communication clear, engaging, and memorable. These are key elements to ensure your message sticks with your audience.

We’ve all been there—looking around a conference room, a Zoom meeting, or an audience and seeing someone yawn, their eyes glazing over, or their attention drifting elsewhere. That’s when you realize how essential it is to capture and keep their attention. This read will help you do just that.

Tip: Review what you’ve learned so far to ensure your messages are clear, articulate, and memorable and truly resonate with your audience.

Learn How to Articulate More Effectively with Leader’s Cut

If you or your leadership team have ever wondered how to be more impactful in your communication, learning to articulate effectively can help you achieve your goals more quickly.

At Leader’s Cut, we work with teams to increase awareness, break through biases, and develop the skills needed to deliver powerful messages that drive organizational progress.

If you’re interested in enhancing your communication, self-awareness, and articulation skills, a team Talent Dynamics Session could be the perfect next step.

Process:

1. Schedule a Quick Meet-and-Greet: We’ll arrange a brief meeting to get to know each other.
2. Discuss Your Team: We’ll talk about your team’s dynamics and needs.
3. Decide to Proceed: If you choose to move forward, we’ll begin the profiling process.
4. Team Profiling: Each team member will complete their profile and receive an individual report.
5. Presentation of Results: Ken will present both the individual and composite results to the entire team via Zoom.

Your investment is in time and information. After the session, you can decide whether to explore a coaching engagement that will propel you and your team forward more quickly.