No one has ever become a great leader without first becoming a great communicator.
Great leaders connect with people on an emotional level every time they speak. Their words inspire others to do more than they ever thought possible.
Related: 10 Habits of Ultra-Friendly Leaders
Great communicators are intentional about it, and there are 10 secrets they rely on to deliver a powerful message. Put these secrets to use in your communication and watch your influence soar.
1. They know their audience.
Great communicators don't care about appearing important, showing off their expertise, or boosting their own ego. Instead, they think about what people need to hear and how they can deliver that message so they hear it. This does not mean that leaders tell people what they want to hear. On the contrary, they tell people what is important for them to know, even if it is bad news.
2. They are experts in body language.
Great communicators are constantly tracking people's reactions to their message. They're quick to pick up on cues like facial expressions and body language because they know that's the only feedback many people will give them. Great communicators use this expertise to tailor their message on the fly and adjust their communication style as needed.
3. They are honest.
The best leaders know that for communication to be effective, it has to be real. They can't let people analyze every word trying to separate fact from spin. When great communicators can't share certain information, they come right out and say it because answers of fortune and half-truth breed mistrust and anxiety. In good times and bad, honesty builds trust.
4. They are authentic.
Great communicators don't try to be someone they're not just because they're behind a podium. Great leaders know that when they stay true to who they are, people gravitate to their message. They also know that the opposite happens when leaders take action.
5. They speak with authority.
Great communicators don't try to cover their backs by being ambiguous, wishy-washy, or insecure. Instead, they stick their necks out and talk very directly about the way things are and should be.
6. They speak to groups individually.
Leaders rarely have the luxury of speaking to one person at a time. Whether it's huddled around a conference table or an overflowing auditorium, great leaders know how to work the room and make every person feel like they're being spoken to directly.
7. They have ears (and they use them).
Great leaders know that communication is a two-way street, and what they hear is often more important than what they say. When someone else is speaking, great communicators don't think ahead and plan what they'll say next. Instead, they actively listen, fully focused on understanding the other person's point of view.
8. They use phrases like "it's my fault," "I was wrong," and "I'm sorry."
When great leaders make a mistake, they admit it right away. They don't wait for someone else to find and point out their mistake. They model accountability for their words and actions, even when they could have easily "got away" with the error. And they do it in a matter-of-fact way, without drama or false humility.
9. They solicit feedback.
The best communicators never assume that the message people heard is exactly the same as they intended to convey. They check in to make sure their message was understood, and if not, they don't blame the audience. Instead, they change things and try again.
10. They are proactive.
Leaders with the best communication skills waste no time catching up. They are quick to get out of the rumor mill by sharing bad news in a timely manner. They also give clear and concise goals so people don't waste their time heading in the wrong direction.
Great communicators stand out from the crowd. They are honest. They are genuine. They listen. They excel at communication because they enjoy it, and it's the critical first step to becoming a great leader.
Related: How to tell your story
This article originally appeared on LinkedIn Pulse.
