How to build executive communication skills

4 ways to build it

1. Lead with the headline

Say the result or the decision first. Give details only if asked.

“The headline: ___. Why: ___. I need ___ by ___.”

Put your point in the first 30 seconds.

2. Translate technical into business

Say what it means for customers, cost or risk, not how you did it.

Not “We fixed the payment bug.” Say “Customers can pay again without failures.”

Leaders listen for impact, not detail.

3. Bring bad news early, with a plan

Say what happened, the impact, your plan and what you need.

“The launch will slip a week. We are fixing the last defect by Tuesday. I need approval to tell the client today.”

Leaders can handle bad news. Hearing it late is what hurts.

4. Practise every Friday

Record a 30-second update on your week. Cut anything that is not the headline, the why or the ask.

“Headline: ___. Why: ___. Ask: ___.”

Communication improves with reps, like any skill.

4 things that quietly cost you

• Burying the point. Starting with background makes leaders stop listening.

• Too much detail. Offer the short version first. Go deeper only if asked.

• No ask. End every update with what you need, and by when.

• Stopping at “I don’t know”. Add: “I’ll confirm by end of day.”

Every Friday, ask yourself

“What was my headline this week?”