When, How, What? – Communication Pt2

Success looks different for everyone, but one thing’s universal: great communicators win. They lead better, build trust faster, and diffuse chaos with ease.

Communication isn’t just about replying to emails, nodding in meetings, or hitting “reply all” faster than the next guy. It’s the subtle art of connecting - how you respond, the words you choose, and the energy your body gives off when you walk into a room.

Let’s unpack the three real drivers of communication success: Responsiveness, Intentional Language, and Physical Communication.

1. Responsiveness - The Silent Trust Builder

In business and in life, time is currency - and responsiveness is how you show respect for it.

We’ve all had that person who disappears after you send them something important. Days go by. Crickets. Suddenly you’re wondering if they’re thinking, ghosting, or in witness protection. That silence creates tension and mistrust.

Responsiveness isn’t about being “always on.” It’s about closing the loop - letting people know you’ve received their message and will get back to them when you can actually give it your attention. A quick “Got it, reviewing this later today” can calm chaos faster than any long-winded email.

And let’s be real - I fail to hit send more often than I care to admit. I’ll write a full response, feel wildly productive, move on with my day…only to realize hours later it’s still sitting in drafts like a digital ghost of good intentions. That’s not unresponsive, that’s accidental sabotage - and yes, I’m working on it. Because communication only counts when it leaves the outbox.

When you don’t respond or follow up, people don’t just lose patience - they lose confidence. They start wondering if you’re too busy, too scattered, or just not that into it. And that’s not the energy you want attached to your name.

Set the tone. Set boundaries. But stay consistent. Silence might be golden, but in business, it can sound a lot like negligence.

2. Intentional Language - Your Words, Your Brand

Words are like currency too - they carry value, and sometimes, a little emotional interest. The way you phrase something can completely change how it lands. “Can you fix this?” sounds like blame. “Can we tweak this together?” sounds like teamwork. Same point, totally different vibe.

Intentional language isn’t about sounding perfect; it’s about being deliberate. Every phrase carries tone, energy, and meaning. Your words are your personal PR department - they build your brand long before your logo ever does.

And nothing tanks credibility faster than sloppy communication - rambling, over-explaining, apologizing too much, or using filler words like “uh,” “like,” or “you know” as verbal seat warmers. Trim the fluff. Say what you mean. Be confident in your message.

Here’s my rule: speak like you’re writing headlines. Short, clear, direct. If your sentence wouldn’t read well in print, it probably isn’t landing well in conversation either.

And don’t underestimate tone - especially over text or email. “Sure.” can sound supportive, passive-aggressive, or like you’re one caffeine drip away from snapping. Add context. Use warmth. Re-read before sending. (Better yet, read it out loud. If it sounds robotic, it probably reads that way too.)

Intentional language turns you from someone who just talks into someone people actually listen to.

3. Physical Communication - The Body Never Lies

You can say, “I’m so excited to be here,” but if your arms are crossed and your face says, “Get me out of this Zoom,” no one’s buying it.

Physical communication - posture, gestures, facial expressions - is the first impression you never get to edit. Before you speak a single word, your body tells everyone how present, confident, and engaged you are.

This isn’t about becoming a stage performer or striking superhero poses between sentences. It’s about awareness When your nonverbal cues match your message, people feel your authenticity. When they don’t, something feels off - even if no one can name it.

Think of your physical presence as emotional punctuation. A smile softens a point. Eye contact adds an exclamation mark. A relaxed stance shows confidence; crossed arms add a question mark.

And for the love of professionalism - keep the flailing to a minimum. You’re delivering a message, not conducting an orchestra. Ground your energy. Let your passion come through your words, not your elbows.

Your body language is your first handshake before the handshake.  It can make or break connection before you’ve even opened your mouth.

The Takeaway

The most successful people don’t always talk the most - they communicate the best. They respond with clarity, speak with intention, and move with confidence.

Communication isn’t a “soft skill.” It’s a superpower. It builds trust, drives leadership, and turns everyday moments into opportunities for influence.

At the end of the day, it’s not about having the last word - it’s about making your words (and your presence) count.

‍