Communicate With Conviction: Clear, Confident Leadership Communication

Why You Must Learn to Communicate With Conviction

Miscommunication happens much too often causing unnecessary conflict in one form or another. And so, a cycle begins… communication, miscommunication, frustration, mistakes, frustration, conflict, frustration, resentment, frustration… Hopefully you will find some conflict resolution in this cycle, but the sad truth is the majority of the time the resolution is more in the form of punishment/degradation to someone who was never communicated to correctly in the first place.

Communicate with conviction and stop the cycle! If you have been on the giving or receiving end of any miscommunication, you realize the importance of communicating with both clarity and confidence—not just in an acceptable style, but with a decided effort toward shared understanding.

If you happen to be the leader who is communicating ineffectively then let me reiterate: stop the cycle! You are creating more work for yourself, more frustration for yourself and your employees, probably more resentment than you want to imagine, and quite possibly losing talented employees as you communicate with confusion or coercion.

If you are the employee who is communicating unclearly, then one would have to wonder how your relationships are with your colleagues or your superiors. Your inattention to communication could very well cost you opportunities for work projects, opportunities for growth, or opportunities for promotion. The highest price you may pay for your lack of attention to communication is your job.

Seems we all have an investment in the idea of communicating with conviction.

What It Really Means to Communicate With Conviction

Communication is the act of conveying a meaningful message. It can take many forms—verbal, nonverbal, written, signals, or behavior. You communicate with words and actions, and if clear meaning was not conveyed or the meaning was misinterpreted, then the communication failed. Failed communication is what results in the vicious cycle described earlier.

It is important to focus on our own communication skills. You have the power to change only yourself. Exerting energy to “fix” someone else is futile. Their development is up to them. While you are noticing someone else’s poor communication, use that moment as an opportunity to strengthen your own communication in response.

The Role of Nonverbal Communication in Conviction

Communication is tough! We communicate with signals—waves of the hand, nods, gestures. Technology connects us globally, and not all signals mean the same to all people, cultures, or nationalities. Make the extra effort to ensure your signals are understood and not offensive.

Our behaviors also convey messages—often more critical than our words. The Mehrabian Myth suggests that when delivering a message, 55% of the message is in our behavior, 38% is in the way we sound, and only 7% comes from the words we choose. You may disagree with the exact percentages, but the takeaway is powerful:

Your words, tone, and body language must align if you want to communicate with conviction.

When to Use Written vs. Verbal Communication

Some messages are more effective in written form. Others require face-to-face conversation. Written communication is only appropriate for non-sensitive subjects. Sensitive subjects require verbal communication.

Two Real Examples of Communication Gone Wrong

Example 1: A company president emailed all staff requiring them to stop speaking negatively about the company—and required a signed printed copy of the email to be turned into HR. The issue wasn’t email-worthy; it was a cultural and leadership issue requiring a team meeting, discussion, and accountability.

Example 2: Another leader emailed all employees stating that arriving late to meetings is a performance issue. The employees who already show up on time felt insulted. Meanwhile, the few employees who needed correction likely didn’t see themselves in the message. This needed a one-on-one meeting—not a blanket email.

These examples highlight why knowing when and how to communicate is essential.

Strong Communication = Strong Leadership

Communication is one of the easiest ways to find more time in your day. Proper communication prevents misunderstandings, mistakes, and conflict. Developing your communication skills creates stronger relationships, trust, and loyalty.

If the message is important enough for you to convey, communicate with conviction.

Clear, confident communication doesn’t just prevent mistakes—it builds trust, strengthens culture, and elevates leadership at every level. If you’re ready to sharpen your leadership communication skills, explore our Communication Styles in Leadership workbook.