Speak Less, Lead More

Could speaking less actually make you a more impactful leader?

Inspired by a quote from author Graham Greene, “The more you say, the more likely you are to look foolish,” this episode of The Leaders Kitbag explores the power of intentional communication in leadership.

Some of the most effective leaders I know don’t feel the need to be the loudest or most frequently heard voice in the room. But when they do speak, they speak with clarity and purpose.

In this episode, I share three practical strategies to help you say less and lead more effectively.

You’ll learn:

• Why concise communication increases the impact of your message
• How to create space for others and avoid dominating airtime
• The value of modelling thoughtfulness and restraint as a leader

Leadership isn’t about always being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about knowing when to speak and how to make your words count.

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Podcast Transcript: 

What would you think if I told you that you could be a more effective leader by speaking less? 

Well, this is something I was reminded of just this morning when I read a quote from the author Graham Greene, who just so happened to live in my hometown. 

Here’s what he said:

“ The more you say, the more likely you are to look foolish.” 

And it’s this quote that I want to talk about in today’s episode of The Leaders Kit Bag. 

There’s a lot of truth in that Graham Greene quote. I can say with confidence that some of the best leaders I’ve worked with were those who spoke less, but made sure that when they did, they spoke with real clarity and purpose. 

Today, I’ve got three simple ideas you can take away and use over the next seven days to boost your effectiveness and impact as a leader. 

Tip #1: Less is often more. 

Long-winded contributions can dilute your point and cause people to switch off. The more concise you are, the more your words will carry weight. 

Tip #2: Leave space for others. 

Leadership isn’t just about taking the stage, t’s about creating space for others to step forward too. 

Check your airtime. Are you adding value, or crowding others out? 

Tip #3: Model constraint. 

When leaders pause before speaking or choose to speak last, they signal that clarity and thoughtfulness matter more than speed. 

There’s a video on YouTube where Steve Jobs pauses for 18 seconds before answering a question, and far from weakening his message, it strengthens it. I highly recommend watching it. (Watch the clip here https://www.youtube.com/shorts/g5jQBuOrPkQ ) 

Need More Support? 

If you need support with training, coaching, or a speaker for your next conference, drop me an email at chat@ben-morton.com