Influence is about inspiring others to see and believe in your vision and to follow you not out of obligation, but out of conviction. For new leaders, particularly, the art of influential communication is essential. It helps establish credibility, fosters trust, and paves the way for achieving both individual and collective goals.
The ability to influence others enables you to shape outcomes, drive change, and inspire action. Having influence enables managers to leave a positive impact on the company, their department and each member of the team.
Six Tips for Communicating with Influence
1: Understand Your Audience. To influence effectively, you must first understand the motivations, challenges, and aspirations of those you wish to influence. Whether it’s peers, clients, or your boss, tailor your communication to resonate with their values and needs. It’s not about manipulation; it’s about connection and understanding, and it’s about finding the common ground that ties your objectives to those of your audience.
2: Be Clear and Concise. Influence is often diluted by ambiguity and superfluous talk. Be clear about your objectives and articulate your message in a way that is both concise and compelling. Use evidence and reason to bolster your argument, providing clear data, examples, or testimonials that support your position transparently and honestly. If you can state your message in one sentence instead of three, do it. Delivering a clear, succinct message that matters bolsters your credibility.
3: Appeal to Emotions. People are motivated by emotion as much as logic. Craft your message to connect emotionally, using stories or anecdotes that highlight your points. Know what’s important to your audience and showcase the value to them. Create a narrative that others can see themselves in and benefit from. Highlight the positive outcomes of your proposition for all parties involved, which shows consideration and fosters trust.
4: Be Adaptable. Be prepared to adjust your communication style to meet the demands of different situations and personalities. “Read the room” to know when you need to approach your audience with data and facts and when you need to show enthusiasm for a future vision.
6: Encourage Feedback. Create a two-way street where feedback is welcomed and valued. This not only strengthens your message but also deepens trust. Give your audience the space and time they need to evaluate your suggestion or argument, rather than pushing for an immediate decision. Allow for an exchange of ideas. If new ideas surface, consider them with humility and grace.
5: Listen Actively. Influential communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Active listening demonstrates respect and allows you to understand and address the concerns of others. Put yourself in others’ shoes to understand their perspective. After asking for feedback, listen attentively.
For new leaders, the quest to communicate for influence is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s about reaching beyond the confines of your role and connecting with others in a way that rallies them to your cause. It’s not enough to speak; you must speak with purpose, clarity, and sincerity. As you refine your ability to communicate for influence, you’ll find that your capacity to lead is not limited by your authority but is instead amplified by your impact.
