Real talk beats well-written nothingness
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people
will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
In leadership communication, it’s easy to obsess over saying the right thing. We draft, edit, rephrase and polish until every sentence sparkles. But sometimes, the final product is a message that looks good and means…not much.
That’s what we call well-written nothingness. It sounds professional. It ticks the boxes. But it doesn’t resonate, connect or inspire. Why? Because it’s missing what really matters: real talk.
In workplaces shaped by uncertainty, hybrid teams and fast-moving change, people aren’t looking for flawless language. They’re looking for leaders who sound like humans. Who say something that feels true.
The power of real talk
Dr. Brené Brown, who’s spent decades studying leadership and vulnerability, puts it simply:
“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”¹
But clarity doesn’t mean corporate speak. It means honesty. It means dropping the buzzwords and being brave enough to say things plainly, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Brené also reminds us:
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”²
That’s real talk. And that’s what earns trust.
What real talk looks like in leadership communication
It’s honest about challenges
It avoids jargon and empty reassurances
It acknowledges emotion and uncertainty
It’s not always polished, but it’s always real
So, how can leaders do this well?
Here are five practical ways to ditch the fluff and lead with communication that connects:
1. Say it simply
Your job isn’t to impress with vocabulary. It’s to be understood. If a team member needs to read your message twice, it’s too complicated.
2. Acknowledge what’s real
You don’t have to be overly personal, but naming what people are feeling (“I know this change isn’t easy”) makes a difference.
3. Be consistent, not just charismatic
Real talk isn’t a one-off inspiring speech. It’s the tone you show up with across every channel such as emails, town halls or one-on-ones.
4. Use stories and specifics
Vague messages feel empty. Specific stories or examples help people see what you mean and remember it later.
5. Check for meaning, not just mistakes
Before you hit send, don’t just proofread for grammar. Ask: Does this sound like me? Will this land with them?
The bottom line?
The best leadership communication doesn’t come from a polished comms plan. It comes from leaders who are willing to be clear, human, and a little bit brave.
So next time you're tempted to over-polish your message, remember Maya Angelou’s words and choose real talk over a well-written nothing. That’s what people will remember.
1 Brene Brown, Dare to Lead
2 Brene Brown, Rising Strong: The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution