| You’ve seen them—leaders who walk into a room and everyone leans in. They don’t just speak well. They listen in a way that makes people feel valued. Here’s the truth most communication training misses: your listening skills directly impact how people perceive your speaking. When you truly listen—not just wait for your turn to talk—you pick up on what matters most to your audience. You respond with relevance and eloquence. You build connection that makes people want to hear what you have to say. ✨ Secret #3: Listening isn’t passive. It’s your secret influence tool. Think of listening like a spotlight. Most people shine it on themselves, waiting to speak. But leaders? They turn that spotlight on others—and paradoxically, that’s when everyone sees the leader’s brilliance. The C-suite executives I coach understand this: the person asking the best questions and actively listening controls the conversation. Here’s how to listen like a leader: • Pause before responding. Count to two. This shows you’re processing, not just reacting. • Reflect back what you heard. “What I’m hearing is…” builds connection and clarity. • Watch body language. People tell you what they need through their posture and energy. 👉 Action step: In your next conversation, focus entirely on understanding before being understood. Notice how the dynamic shifts. When you listen with intention, people remember how you made them feel—and they’re ready to follow your lead. This is Secret #3 in our 22-part series on confident communication. Watch for Secret #4 in the next edition! 👉 Want to be perceived as the confident, credible leader you truly are? Let’s discuss how to strengthen both your speaking and listening presence. Book your free consultation here: iSpeakClearly.com — Anne Marie Anne Marie Strauss Founder & President, iSpeak Clearly Blending science, mindfulness and joy for confident communication. |
Leadership
Secret #4: Your voice is your instrument – is it in tune?
Your voice is your instrument—how well are you caring for it? Most of us take good care of the things we rely on every day—our
Anne Marie Strauss
December 8, 2025
