Let’s be real – communication is everything. Whether you're crafting an email, delivering a presentation, or drafting a report, your words shape how people perceive you. But how do you make your messages stand out in a world drowning in information? Let’s break it down.
1. The art of an email that gets read
Your inbox is flooded every day, and so is everyone else's. So, how do you make sure your emails aren’t ignored?
- Start with a killer subject line: keep it short, clear, and intriguing
- Get to the point: nobody has time for fluff – state your purpose in the first few lines
- Make it actionable: end with a clear next step – what do you need from the recipient?
2. Presentations that stick
A boring presentation is a wasted opportunity. Whether pitching an idea, leading a meeting, or giving a keynote, make it engaging:
- Tell a story: facts are great, but stories make people care
- Less text, more visuals: slides should support what you say, not repeat it
- Engage your audience: ask questions, use humour and keep it interactive
3. Reports and memos that don’t put people to sleep
Nobody enjoys reading a dense, jargon-filled document. Make yours clear and useful:
- Headline our key points: busy people skim – make it easy for them
- Keep it concise: say what needs to be said and cut the rest
- Use formatting wisely: bullet points, bold text, and white space make reading easier
4. Mastering tone and persuasion
The right tone makes all the difference in how your message is received:
- Be professional but human: formal doesn’t mean robotic
- Know your audience: adjust your style based on who you're writing to
- Persuade with logic and emotion: facts matter, but people also respond to how they feel
5. The follow-up magic
Sometimes, the key to success is simply following up. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Be polite but persistent: a gentle nudge can make all the difference
- Remind without annoying: reference the original message and keep it brief
- Offer value: make it clear why responding is beneficial for them
The bottom line
Whether you’re sending an email, giving a presentation, or writing a report, strong communication skills can set you apart. Keep it clear, engaging, and purposeful – and watch your influence grow.
Ready to up your communication game? The right words can open the right doors –make sure you’re using them wisely. Join our latest course, ‘From Inbox to Influence: Writing Compelling Emails, Presentations, and More’ today!
Published on Apr 09, 2025 by Ella Thomas