How to Improve Your Leadership Communication Skills: 8 Strategies That Work
April 04, 2023
Why is communication important in leadership? How can you improve leadership communication skills? What does it take to have impactful leadership communication?
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we specialise in leadership communication skills coaching – whether 1:1 remote coaching or face-to-face. We’ve been doing this for over 15 years and are known for delivering fast results.
This article was updated October 2025
Meet the Author: Steve Jacobs Steve is a partner at Benjamin Ball Associates, leads the writing team and is an outstanding coach and trainer. Steve has more than 25 years’ experience in corporate and financial public relations. He was a founding partner of the strategic comms division of FTI and until recently was head of comms and IR at Breedon Group plc, the UK’s largest quoted independent construction materials group. Follow Steve on LinkedIn or visit the contact page.
What Are Leadership Communication Skills?
Why is it that some leaders can inspire teams, win over investors, and steer through a crisis with mere words, while others struggle to be heard? The difference often lies in their leadership communication skills.
As a leader, your vision is only as powerful as your ability to communicate it. Whether you’re addressing your team, presenting to the board or leading a town hall, how you deliver your message is just as important as the message itself.
The best leaders understand that effective communication skills are the bedrock of building trust, aligning their team members around common goals, and driving positive change.
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve spent over 15 years helping leaders like you transform communication from good to exceptional. This guide will walk you through eight practical strategies you can use to become a more influential, authentic, and effective communicator.
Why Your Leadership Communication Skills Matter More Than Ever
Think about the best leader you’ve ever worked for. What made them so effective? Chances are, they were a brilliant communicator.
Strong leadership communication skills aren’t “soft skills”— they are hard essentials. These skills drive:
Trust and Alignment: Clear communication ensures your team members understand their role in the bigger picture and trust you to guide them. This foundation of mutual respect is non-negotiable.
Influence and Motivation: Persuasive communication allows you to champion innovative ideas, secure buy-in, and inspire action, even during tough times. Successful leaders use their voice to turn strategy into reality.
Conflict Resolution and Engagement: By listening actively and showing genuine empathy, you can navigate disagreements and foster a culture of open dialogue where people feel heard and valued. This is what transforms a group of individuals into an efficient team.
Poor communication skills, conversely, lead to misunderstood important information, low morale, and stalled projects. The good news? This is an essential skill you can absolutely master.
8 Powerful Ways to Improve Your Leadership Communication Skills
1. Plan with Purpose: The AIM Framework
Great leadership communication doesn’t happen by accident. Before any important conversation or presentation, invest time in high-quality preparation. We recommend a simple but powerful three-step framework: AIM.
A = Audience: Who are you speaking to? Step into their shoes. What are their concerns, their level of knowledge, and what do they need from you? Tailoring your message to your audience is the first step to making a connection on a personal level.
I = Intent: What is the single most important outcome you want? Do you want them to approve a budget, change a behaviour, or simply understand a new strategy? Define your goal with crystal clarity.
M = Message: What is your core message? Distil your intent into one compelling sentence. Then, identify three key points that support it, backed by data and stories.
This AIM process is probably the one most important thing you can use to improve your leadership communication. It’s all about doing the hard thinking before you do the writing.
2. Practise with Intent (Not Just in Your Head)
The most respected leaders we work with are also the most prepared. They understand that practice is what builds confidence and polishes delivery.
Don’t just rehearse silently in your head. Practise out loud—in front of a mirror, by recording yourself on your phone, or with a trusted colleague. This helps you refine your pacing, tone of voice, and body language.
Think of it like an athlete training for a big event; deliberate practice is how you build your communication muscle memory. This is one of the most crucial communication techniques for mastering public speaking and important meetings. That’s where a great communication coach can add huge value to your leadership communications.
Imagine how much work went into this seemingly impromptu speech by Brené Brown.
3. Engage, Don’t Just Announce
Your presentation is not a one-way broadcast. It’s a conversation. To truly interest your audience, you need to make them the centre of your story.
Ask Powerful Questions: Pose open-ended questions to spark thinking, encourage open dialogue, and gather diverse perspectives.
Master Storytelling: We forget bullet points, but we remember stories. Weave in personal anecdotes and real-world examples to make your message relatable and memorable.
Be Authentically You: Let your personality shine through. Use a conversational tone as if you’re speaking to a colleague one-on-one, even in a large room. Empathetic leaders excel at this, making every team member feel seen.
The set of techniques that we share with our clients for engaging audiences frequently transform dull monotonous presentations into lively, powerful communications. These techniques are easy to learn and highly effective.
4. Champion Clarity and Simplicity
As you grow more senior, your communication should become simpler, not more complex. Avoid jargon and corporate buzzwords, they create distance and confusion. Whether giving clear instructions or sharing a new vision, simplicity is key.
A great rule of thumb? Imagine you’re explaining your topic to a bright 15-year-old. If you can make it compelling and understandable to them, you’ve achieved the clarity that marks a true leader. Good communicators know that clear communication prevents costly errors and builds an efficient team.
It’s always interesting to note that the most powerful communications are usually the simplest. But making what you say simple for your audience is often hard for you.
5. Lead with Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Technical skills might get you the leadership role, but emotional intelligence is what makes you successful in it. EQ is your ability to recognise and manage your own emotions, and to understand and respond to the emotions of others.
When you communicate with empathy, you build deeper trust. You can sense when your team is anxious or resistant, and you can adjust your message accordingly. This allows you to deliver difficult feedback with compassion and resolve conflicts with grace, strengthening your relationships in the process.
This empathetic communication is what separates good leaders from great ones.
6. Master Your Non-Verbal Communication
Your body speaks before you do. In fact, a significant portion of your message is conveyed through non-verbal cues. The best leaders are highly aware of the signals they send.
Eye Contact: Maintaining sincere eye contact builds connection and shows you are engaged.
Facial Expressions: Your smile, frown, or look of concern can reinforce or undermine your words. Ensure your expressions match your message.
Tone of Voice: A monotone can drain the energy from even the most exciting update. Vary your pitch and pace to convey passion and conviction.
Aligning your non-verbal communication with your words is an essential skill for building trust and ensuring your message is received as intended.
That’s why we use cameras when we work with our clients. Once they can see themselves present, they quickly improve their non-verbal communications.
7. Use Visual Aids as a Support, Not a Crutch
We’ve all suffered through “death by PowerPoint.” Your slides should be a visual aid, not your script.
Use visuals sparingly to emphasise a key point, show a compelling image, or display a crucial data point. Keep them clean, simple, and visually appealing. Remember, you are the presentation—the slides are merely your backup dancers. Choosing the right communication channels, whether it’s a slide, a handout, or simply your own voice, is a mark of a good leader.
We’ve probably improved more presentations (and saved more time) by tearing up PowerPoint than with any other intervention.
8. Seek Regular Feedback and Commit to Continuous Improvement
Even the best communicators have room to grow. Proactively seek constructive feedback from your peers, mentors, or a professional coach. This regular feedback is a gift that reveals blind spots.
After a presentation, ask a colleague, “What was my single most powerful point?” and “Where could I have been clearer?” If your talk was recorded, have the courage to watch it back.
This self-reflection is invaluable for identifying your blind spots and refining your skills. Approach this process with an open mind, and you will see continuous growth in your leadership style.
Building leadership communications skills is an ongoing process. You should aim to get a bit better every time you speak. That’s why some of our clients have been with us for over 10 years. They know that every day they can add a bit more value.
Learning from the Best: The Hallmarks of Great Leaders
When you study successful leaders, you see common best practices in action. They are adept at using different communication styles depending on the situation—from a forceful, direct tone in a crisis to a collaborative, gentle approach when seeking innovative ideas from their team.
You have access to many books, courses, and workshops to help improve your leadership communication skills. Watch videos of leaders to see how they deliver their messages and engage their audiences.
As our case studies show, leaders who invest in these effective leadership communication skills consistently build more resilient, adaptive, and high-performing teams.
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Impact?
Improving your communication isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about unlocking the full potential of the leader you already are. These eight strategies provide a powerful roadmap to get you there.
But we know that sometimes, personalised guidance is the fastest way to see dramatic improvement. At Benjamin Ball Associates, we specialise in intensive, results-driven coaching that transforms how leaders communicate. In just a few hours, we can help you find your authentic voice, project confidence, and deliver your messages with unforgettable impact.
Take the first step towards becoming a more influential leader. Speak to Louise today on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com for a complimentary consultation.
CASE STUDY – Developing Leadership Communication Skills in a FTSE CEO
SITUATION: Our client, let’s call him James, was appointed CEO of this FTSE 250 company. He had got by without ever having made a formal presentation. He had a problem. Or, as he said to us:
“I now have three problems: staff, shareholders and analysts – all of whom expect me to present.”
SOLUTION: For James, we had to start at the beginning: Build his confidence; help him overcome some long held prejudices; and give him tools so that he could present with ease. We did this through a series of short workshops that fitted in with his busy timetable.
We helped him plan an upcoming event – the Christmas party where he had to speak to all his staff. Step one was to tear up his 50 page PowerPoint presentation. Instead, we gave James some easy-to-use structures for his talks.
THE OUTCOME: James learned a time efficient system to prepare for presentations so that he was completely comfortable with his new-found skills. The result was a confident performance, and staff who were immediately impressed by their new CEO.
Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Leadership Communication Coaching
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people in communication skills for effective leadership for over 15 years. Our coaching is fast and effective. We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups. Call us today to learn more.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
We’ve been helping leaders polish their leadership communication skills for over 15 years. We’ve worked with people all over the UK, Europe and the USA.
If you really want to improve your leadership communication skills, call us. With just a few hours of intensive instruction you will transform how you present. Speak to Louise today on info@benjaminball.com or +44 20 7018 0922
Why Choose Us: Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching
We can help you present brilliantly.Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.
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Some recent clients
Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.
Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.
FAQ: How to Improve Leadership Communication Skills
1. How Can I Improve My Active Listening Skills?
Active listening is one of the most valuable skills a leader can develop. To truly listen, you must focus entirely on the speaker, setting aside distractions and giving them your full attention.
Engagement is not just about hearing words; non-verbal cues like nodding, maintaining eye contact, or mirroring expressions show the speaker that you’re fully present.
An effective way to ensure you’ve understood is to paraphrase or summarise what’s been said, restating it in your own words to confirm clarity. If something remains unclear, asking thoughtful questions can help deepen understanding. Crucially, avoid interrupting—allowing others to finish their thoughts fosters a respectful and productive dialogue.
2. What Are Some Strategies for Giving Clear and Precise Instructions?
Clear instructions are the foundation of efficient teamwork. To communicate effectively, start by being specific. Use straightforward language and avoid ambiguity to eliminate confusion.
Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes instructions easier to follow. Where possible, include examples or demonstrations to clarify your expectations further.
Checking for understanding is equally important. You might ask team members to summarise the task or provide feedback to ensure everyone is aligned. Following up as work progresses allows you to monitor results and address any issues promptly.
Consistency and transparency in your communication not only ensure clarity but also build trust, strengthening your leadership overall.
3. How Can I Build Trust Through My Communication?
Trust is the cornerstone of great leadership communication. Building trust starts with honesty and transparency. By sharing information openly and being truthful, you demonstrate integrity. Credibility is reinforced when your words align with your actions, showing that you can be relied upon to follow through on commitments.
Admitting mistakes is another way to strengthen trust. Owning up to errors and addressing them promptly shows accountability and fosters respect. Additionally, treating all team members with respect and valuing their contributions helps create an inclusive environment where trust can thrive.
4. How Can I Use Empathy in My Leadership Communication?
Empathy is essential for connecting with your team and fostering a supportive work culture. Practising empathy begins with active listening, paying close attention not just to words but to the emotional cues conveyed through tone and body language. Understanding others’ perspectives requires putting yourself in their shoes, considering how a situation might feel from their point of view.
Recognising and validating emotions in your responses can make team members feel seen and understood. Offering practical support to address concerns further strengthens these bonds. By communicating with empathy, leaders create an environment where people feel valued and motivated to do their best work.
5. What Role Does Body Language Play in Communication, and How Can I Improve It?
Body language often speaks louder than words, reinforcing—or undermining—your verbal messages. Maintaining an open posture, such as standing or sitting in a relaxed but upright position, signals approachability and confidence.
Gestures can emphasise key points, but they should be purposeful and not excessive, as overuse can distract from your message.
Your facial expressions are just as critical. A smile, a furrowed brow, or a neutral expression should align with the tone of your words to avoid sending mixed signals. Similarly, eye contact is essential for building connections and showing confidence, though it’s important to strike a balance—too much can feel intense. By working onthese non-verbal elements, you can ensure your body language complements your communication.
6. How Can I Adapt My Communication Style to Different Audiences?
Adapting your communication style is key to resonating with diverse groups. Understanding your audience’s preferences, expectations, and needs allows you to tailor your message. For example, speaking to a technical team might require detailed explanations, while addressing executives may call for concise summaries and strategic insights.
Your tone should also match the context. A formal presentation demands a professional tone, whereas informal discussions can be more conversational. Choosing the right medium—whether face-to-face, email, or a video call—can further enhance your message’s impact. Flexibility is essential; being ready to adjust based on audience feedback ensures your communication remains relevant and engaging.
Communication skills in leadership are a set of skills that evolve with practice. By refining how you listen, deliver instructions, build trust, show empathy, use body language, adapt your style, and handle difficult conversations, you can transform your ability to lead with impact.
If you want to improve your leadership communication skills, get in touch. Call Louise Angus on +44 20 7018 0922 or click on the button below for a free consultation.
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