Communication In Employee Engagement

I've coached 400+ CEOs. The best ones don't communicate better. They communicate differently. While average leaders wing it, great ones use proven methods that turn conversations into opportunities. After 20+ years studying top performers, I've identified 7 communication systems that separate good from great. (Save this. You'll need it for your next big meeting.) 1. The 3 Levels of Listening Stop listening to reply. Start listening to understand. Level 1: You're thinking about your response Level 2: You're focused on their words Level 3: You're reading the room—energy, tone, silence One CEO used this to uncover why his top performer was really leaving. Saved a $10M account. 2. What? So What? Now What? Transform rambling updates into decisive action. What = The facts (30 seconds max) So What = Why it matters to the business Now What = The specific decision needed Cut meeting time by 40%. 3. PREP Method Never fumble another investor question. Point: Your answer in one sentence Reason: Why you believe it Example: Proof from your business Point: Reinforce your answer Practice this for 5 minutes daily. Sound prepared always. 4. RACI Matrix Kill confusion before it starts. Responsible: Who does the work Accountable: Who owns success/failure (only ONE person) Consulted: Who gives input Informed: Who needs updates Projects with clear RACI are 3x more likely to succeed. 5. Story of Self/Us/Now Move hearts, not just minds. Story of Self: Why YOU care (personal conviction) Story of Us: Our shared challenge Story of Now: The urgent choice we face This framework has helped politicians win. It'll help you raise capital or inspire your team to meet a big goal. 6. The Pyramid Principle Get board approval in half the time. Start with your recommendation Give 3 supporting arguments (max) Order by impact (strongest first) Data goes last, not first McKinsey consultants swear by this. So should you. 7. COIN Feedback Model Make tough conversations productive. Context: When and where it happened Observation: What you saw (facts only) Impact: The business consequence Next: Agreed action steps No more avoided conversations. No more resentment. Your next funding round, key hire, or major deal doesn't depend on working harder. It depends on communicating better. Because in the end, leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, listening deeper, and communicating with precision. Your team is waiting for you to lead like this. P.S. Want a PDF of my Leadership Communication Cheat Sheet? Get it free: https://lnkd.in/dbaSN9fJ ♻️ Repost to help a founder level up their communication. Follow Eric Partaker for more leadership tools.

In a world where attention is fleeting and virtual fatigue is real, how can you successfully host online events? Here are 9 essentials to keep in mind: 1. Start with a Compelling Opening Your opening should grab attention, set the tone, build anticipation and give people a reason to stay. 2. Make Eye Contact Look directly into the camera to create a sense of connection. If you're using a teleprompter or script, keep it at eye level to maintain that engagement. 3. Mind Your Facial Expression People are paying close attention to your face. They can see when you’re smiling, or when you appear bored, upset, or frustrated. Be conscious of your expression. 4. Manage Your Energy Your energy drives the entire experience. If you seem disengaged or flat, your audience will tune out. 5. Build Emotional Connections Use personal stories, relatable examples, and analogies. These human elements help your message resonate on a deeper level. 6. Engage the Audience Make your audience part of the experience. Use polls, Q&A, or chat prompts to keep them actively involved. 7. Be Clear and Concise Attention spans online are shorter. Get to the point quickly, and use clear language. 8. Use Visual Aids and Multimedia Use images, short videos, graphics, and animations that support your message. However, don’t overload your slides with text. 9. Check Your Tech Setup Poor lighting, audio, camera quality, or an unstable internet connection can lead to frustration and reduced participation. Test in advance. Hope this helps. I’m Temi Badru, a professional event MC for physical, virtual, and hybrid events. I also train individuals and teams in public speaking and effective communication. #temibadru #voicesandfaces #eventhost #mc #moderator #speaker #events

PRESENTING VIRTUALLY and engaging a remote audience is hard. The pandemic made us all work differently and years later, many of us are still struggling to be at our best online. That's why I really enjoyed this little book VIRTUAL EI from Harvard Business Review which digs into the science of online attention, engagement and digital mindfulness.   The book addresses issues like “WFH is Corroding Our Trust in Each Other”, “The Endless Digital Workday” and “What Psychological Safety Looks Like in a Hybrid Workplace”.   Here’s a few of my takeaways:   🙈 Traditional meeting styles may not work the same for all types of workers. 90% extroverts say virtual meetings are effective but only 70% of introverts agree.   ❓ Too many acronyms or names you don't know? Google increased productivity by 2% (around $400M) by regularly encouraging new hires to “Ask questions, LOTS of questions – and actively solicit feedback on virtual presentations, don’t just wait for it”.   💬 Talking about NOTHING is important. Screen-fatigue is rampant. We need to create space for small talk before (and after?) meetings. Small talk should be an agenda item and not an afterthought.   👂🏽 “Deep listening” is generous. Don’t always jump to an answer. If you’re one of those people who just waits for a gap in the conversation to provide a solution, try stopping yourself. Suspend your own agenda and listen to others more often.   🦜 It’s hard to engage disconnected audiences. Virtual presenters need to be like birds! (I like this one). Virtual presenters should deliberately and compellingly call and elicit a response. Simulate back-and-forth conversations by asking more rhetorical questions. eg. “Are you ready to try something new?”   A Few Ways to Make a Virtual Presentation Interactive: • Use an icebreaker • Keep it simple (10 slides max?) • Ask the audience • Have an interesting background • Try a quiz • Use humour • Make eye contact (with the camera not just the screen) • Don’t forget body language • Make use of effective language • Be aware of 10-15 minute attention spans • Add in some visual and audio effects • Use video • Have a keylight to highlight your face • Let the audience answer anonymously • Get your audience moving • Turn control over to the audience It’s a good book (for your commute?) which you can read in under 90 minutes. And at £11 it’s cheaper than 1 issue of Harvard Business Review magazine.  

25 years of communication skills knowledge in 25 Powerful Lessons.  After 25 years of writing, coaching, speaking and advising senior leaders, I’ve learned one thing: 💡 Your communication is your leadership. Here are 25 hard-earned, real-world lessons to help you communicate like the top 1%: 1️⃣ Clarity is a leadership skill If people don’t understand you, they won’t follow you. 2️⃣ Write how you speak. Speak how you write. Writing gives you clarity to speak in atomic statements.    3️⃣ Make the audience go “Me too!” not “So what?” Make it about them, not yourself. 4️⃣ 30-second story > 30 slides Stories create alignment. Slides often create confusion. 5️⃣ Confidence is concise Say less. Mean more. 6️⃣ Repetition builds reputation If you don’t repeat your key message, no one else will. 7️⃣ Design every message Outline what they need to know, feel, and do. 8️⃣ Manage your emotions or they manage you Learn to put distance between you and your emotions. 9️⃣ Tell your story, not your resume People don’t remember your roles. They remember your transformation. 🔟 Create Charisma with competence and warmth Charisma is a set of behaviors. Anyone can learn it. 1️⃣1️⃣ Start with the point, not the background Get to the point, or create suspense for the big reveal. 1️⃣2️⃣ Stories beat stats – but stories with stats win trust Emotion hooks. Evidence converts. 1️⃣3️⃣ If you don’t own your message, someone else will define it for you Control the narrative – or risk becoming it. 1️⃣4️⃣ Leadership communication isn’t about you You’re not the hero. Your audience is. You’re the guide. 1️⃣5️⃣ The best messages fit in a tweet If you can’t make it short, you haven’t made it clear. 1️⃣6️⃣ Filler words kill credibility Umms, likes, maybes – edit them out to sound more certain. 1️⃣7️⃣ Every presentation is a trust test People decide in seconds: “Do I believe this person?” 1️⃣8️⃣ Silence is a power move Pausing shows control. Rambling signals insecurity. 1️⃣9️⃣ Don’t speak to inform – speak to inspire Information is everywhere. Inspiration is rare. 2️⃣0️⃣ Don’t use scripts. Use structures Scripts make you robotic. Structures turn you into a raconteur. 2️⃣1️⃣ If you confuse them, you lose them Confusion creates doubt. Doubt kills momentum. 2️⃣2️⃣ You can’t fake authentic passion If you don’t care, it shows. So care deeply. 2️⃣3️⃣Reputation precedes revenue It is easier to build and harder to sell – unless you have reach and reputation. 2️⃣4️⃣ The real message is how you make them feel They’ll forget your slides. But they’ll remember your tone and presence. 2️⃣5️⃣  In the age of AI, your unique voice matters more than ever Be a non-fungable human in a sea of AI-generated content.  🗣 Which one resonates most? 📌 Follow me, Oliver Aust, for daily strategies to communicate like the top 1% of leaders.

Ever feel like your conversations hit a wall—fast? You’re asking questions. You’re showing up. But all you’re getting are surface-level answers... or polite head nods. Here’s the truth: It’s not just what you ask.  It’s how you ask it. Strong leaders don’t need to have all the answers. They need to ask the right questions—the kind that spark clarity, ownership, trust, and growth. Here’s a quick breakdown that’ll level up your communication game ⬇️ 🔓 Open-Ended Questions Use when you want reflection, dialogue, and real insight. They unlock honesty, creativity, and connection. 💼 Leadership & Team • “What’s your perspective on how this project is going?” • “What do you feel about the direction we're heading?” • “What do you need from me to be successful right now?” • “How do you think we can improve our team dynamic?” 🔄 Feedback & Growth • “What part of that feedback surprised you the most?” • “What’s been working well for you—and why?” • “What would make this feedback more useful?” 🔍 Problem Solving • “What options have you considered so far?” • “What's the root cause, as you see it?” • “What would success look like in this situation?” 🤝 Coaching & Mentoring • “What’s holding you back right now?” • “What do you want to be known for in this role?” • “How can I support you without overstepping?” 🔐 Closed-Ended Questions Use for structure, speed, and decision-making. They bring focus, clarity, and momentum. ✅ Quick Check-ins • “Did you send the proposal?” • “Is the deadline still realistic?” 📊 Data & Decisions • “Do you agree with this plan?” • “Is that within our budget?” ⏱ Operational • “Has the issue been resolved?” • “Did the system go live on time?” 🎯 Pro Tip: Open-ended questions build trust and unlock real conversations. Closed-ended ones move things forward fast. Smart leadership is knowing when to use which—and why. Here’s the bottom line: Your questions shape your culture. They either open doors—or close them. Ask better, and you lead better. 👇 What’s one question that’s helped you unlock deeper conversations at work? ♻️ Share this with your network if it resonates. ☝️ And follow Stuart Andrews for more insights like this.

“Your story isn’t boring, your storytelling is.” I say this to clients all the time. You don’t need a dramatic career or a massive success story to stand out on LinkedIn. You just need to tell your story right. Because people don’t connect with bullet points They connect with you. Your fears. Your lessons. Your mistakes. Your wins. That’s what builds credibility, not corporate jargon or “thrilled to announce” posts. 💡 The Storytelling Formula I Teach My Clients If you want posts that stop the scroll, build trust, and grow your brand, use this 4-step framework 👇 1️⃣ Start with a Moment of Tension Open with something human and real. → “That day I almost missed my deadline.” → “The moment I froze during a client presentation.” → “When I thought I failed, but ended up learning everything I needed.” 💬 This grabs attention instantly because it feels authentic. 2️⃣ Share the Raw Emotions What were you feeling at that moment? → Fear, doubt, pride, frustration, excitement, let people in. Emotions build connection faster than data ever can. 💬 Vulnerability doesn’t make you weak, it makes your story relatable. 3️⃣ Show the Transformation What changed? → What did you learn from that moment? → How did it shape your perspective or behavior going forward? 💬 Growth stories turn mistakes into credibility. 4️⃣ End with Value for Others Give your readers something to take away. → “Here’s what I’d do differently next time.” → “Here’s one question that helped me fix it.” → “Here’s how you can apply this lesson too.” 💬 When you end with value, your story turns into impact. I’ve seen engagement triple for clients who switched from generic updates to storytelling. Because stories stick, numbers don’t. People may forget your metrics, but they’ll always remember how your post made them feel. 💡 Here’s the truth: Your personal brand is not built on perfection, it’s built on presence. And storytelling is how you turn presence into influence. So, what career moment would you turn into a story this week? Drop it in the comments, let’s inspire others with your journey. 👉 If you want to learn how to turn your everyday career moments into stories that attract the right opportunities, connect with me on DM if interested. I’ll help you master storytelling as your personal branding superpower. #LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #CareerSpotlight #SnehaSharmaTheCoach

I dropped 3 client deals in 2024 because I refused to fabricate "success stories” and bring forced engagement. This is not about ethics. This is not about morals. This is about the power of authentic storytelling. Let me break it down: Audiences have built-in BS detectors. The moment they sense fabricated stories: → Trust evaporates → Credibility crashes → Connection breaks Here's what happened when I shifted to purely authentic storytelling for my clients: Client A: The engagement rate jumped from 1.2% to 4.7% Client B: Lead quality improved, closing ratio up 35% Client C: The content resonated so deeply that competitors started following The authentic storytelling framework that transformed results: 1/ Real Struggles ↳ Share genuine challenges without sugar-coating 2/ Honest Process ↳ Detail the messy middle, not just the glossy result 3/ Actual Results ↳ Present true metrics, even when imperfect 4/ Learned Lessons ↳ Reveal what you'd do differently next time 5/ Human Elements ↳ Include emotions and personal reactions When I implemented this for a career coach: Instead of: ❌ "How I helped a leader get a 3x salary increment overnight." I created: ✔️ "How I helped a nearly lost leader who was tired of linear salary get a 3x raise with these 7 additions over a month." The result? 7 qualified leads in 48 hours. Authentic storytelling isn't just a marketing tactic. It's your most powerful business asset. Because in a world of fabricated success, honesty cuts through the noise. P.S. What's one authentic story you've been hesitant to share that might actually strengthen your connection with your audience? PPS: If you also want to get similar results, my DMs are open to talking about new projects.

As an employer branding consultant, I've collaborated on over 300 virtual internship program info sessions hosted by early career recruiting teams. Here's what stood out from the top performing events and what I recommend: 1. Audience Engagement Students already have to sit in hour long lectures, they don't want to do the same at your information sessions. Switch things up by asking questions in the chat throughout the session or having a live Q&A. 2. Clear call-to-action That can look like: →  Sharing a link to a resume drop/your talent community sign up page so they can submit interest → Collecting emails to send a post event email with more resources/information about your programs and how to apply →  Providing an unique application link that tracks that they applied after attending your event →  Sharing a link to your early careers page if your roles are currently live so they can apply 3. Early talent employee panels Attendees want to hear from your past interns and entry level employees about what life is like at your company. They trust that they're going to be honest/keep it real with them, can see themselves in their shoes, and it's someone they can reach out to post-event for more insights on how to apply. I've listened in on a few of these and employees always give the best application advice that you can't find online! Who better to attract Gen Z than Gen Z? 😉 Pro-tip You can repurpose the testimonials shared by the panelists into content for your social channels, quotes to include on your early career website, etc. 🔥 One of my formulas for a ✨ perfect ✨ virtual information sessions: 15 mins of a company/program overview hosted by the recruiters + 20 min employee panel + 10-15 for live audience Q&A/answering questions submitted from the event RSVP form 👀 Students, what do you wish to see more of at virtual information sessions for early career programs you're interested in? #earlycareerrecruiting #infosessions #earlycareer #internships #employerbranding

In today's interconnected world, virtual networking has become an essential tool for professionals seeking to expand their horizons and forge meaningful connections. As we navigate through digital spaces, the ability to make a great first impression is more important than ever. So, how can you ensure that you leave a lasting impact in the virtual realm? Let's delve into some strategies that can elevate your professionalism and make you stand out in virtual networking events. Before diving into any virtual networking event, take the time to curate your digital persona. This encompasses everything from your profile picture to your bio and even your background. In virtual networking, active engagement is key to making a memorable first impression. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to others in the event, utilizing features such as chat boxes or breakout rooms to initiate conversations. Remember to actively listen to what others have to say, offering meaningful contributions and fostering authentic connections. One of the most effective ways to make a great first impression in virtual networking is by showcasing your expertise. Share valuable insights, industry knowledge, or relevant experiences that highlight your unique perspective and capabilities. The true value of virtual networking lies in the follow-up. After the event, take the time to follow up with individuals you connected with, whether it's through a personalized email, LinkedIn message, or virtual coffee chat. Lastly, remember mastering the art of virtual networking requires a combination of preparation, engagement, expertise, and follow-up. By implementing these strategies, you can make a great first impression that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for fruitful relationships and professional growth. So, the next time you find yourself in a virtual networking event, seize the opportunity to showcase your professionalism and leave a lasting impact. Your future self will thank you for it. #virtualnetworking #professionalism #networkingtips #expertiseshowcase #careergrowth #businessnetworking National University of Singapore

When I first started my personal brand, I received zero traction. Now, my posts reach thousands within hours. I've switched from focusing on 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 I posted to 𝘩𝘰𝘸 I told my story. Storytelling doesn’t just engage—it connects. It’s the difference between a good post and a great one. A story that makes people stop scrolling, pay attention, and leave feeling a sense of desire, motivation, or direction. Here’s how you can master storytelling in your LinkedIn posts: 1️⃣ Start with a Hook Open with a question, surprising fact, or challenge your audience is facing. 2️⃣ Focus on Conflict & Resolution Every good story needs tension. Present the problem first, then show how you overcame it to keep the audience engaged. 3️⃣ Make It Relatable Share stories that resonate with your audience’s pain points or aspirations. If they can relate, they’ll engage. 4️⃣ Use Emotion Don’t just tell facts—make them feel something. Emotion drives action and makes your story memorable. 5️⃣ Keep It Simple Stick to one core message or takeaway. Simplicity is powerful. 6️⃣ Create an Actionable Ending Leave your audience with something they can act on. Ask for their take, challenge them, or prompt reflection. 7️⃣ Be Authentic Share your real, raw experiences. People want to connect with 𝘺𝘰𝘶, not perfected stories. Turn your posts into conversations to skyrocket your engagement. It worked for me, and it can work for you too. 👉 What’s your hardest challenge when it comes to storytelling? #storytelling #personalbranding #engagement