To be an effective leader, you need to become an exceptional communicator. Here are four strategies to help you motivate and inspire your team with your words.

* Use simple language to write about complex things.Long, complicated sentences make written ideas hard to understand because they demand more concentration. You’ll win more supporters if you replace long words and sentences with shorter, more straightforward ones.

* Choose sticky metaphors. When you introduce a new or abstract idea, your audience will search for something they recognize to help them make sense of it. A metaphor is a powerful tool that compares or equates a new, abstract idea to a familiar image or concept.

* Humanize data. Slide decks with statistics and charts are helpful, but limited. The trick to making any data point interesting is to humanize it by placing the number in perspective. Any time you introduce numbers, take the extra step to make them engaging, memorable, and, ultimately, persuasive.

* Emphasize your mission. Shine a spotlight on your company’s purpose across communication channels: meetings, memos, emails, presentations, social media, and marketing material. If your mission stands for something, then stand up for it.
This tip is adapted from “How Great Leaders Communicate,” by Carmine Gallo
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