We’ve all been there.

Someone stands up to speak. The words make sense. The slides look polished. But something is off. You walk away unconvinced, unmotivated, maybe even disengaged.

Why?

Because communication isn’t just about what you say. It’s about how you deliver it.

The Golf Analogy

Think about a golfer. Before the swing, they study the course. They know the hole layout, where the hazards are, and how far they need to hit. That’s planning. That’s content.

But then comes the swing. And if the swing is poor? Even the best plan doesn’t matter. The ball doesn’t go where it’s supposed to.

That’s communication in action.
Your content is your plan.
Your delivery is your swing.

The best content in the world, poorly delivered, won’t create trust, won’t inspire belief, and won’t move people to act.

You Are the Tool

Over the last 15 years, I’ve coached more than 5,000 leaders across three continents. I’ve seen one principle proven again and again:

You are the best tool for communicating effectively.

Not your slides.
Not your notes.
Not your perfectly punctuated emails.

You.

And you are better than you think. Most people underestimate their ability to influence others through their presence, voice, and energy. The difference between being good and being unforgettable often comes down to whether you lean into the skills you already have and practice them consistently.

The Three C’s of Anchored Communicators

In every workshop, keynote, or coaching engagement, I see the same qualities show up in the best communicators. I call them the Three C’s:

Confidence – You look and sound like you have a right to be in the room. This isn’t about arrogance or authority. It’s about giving yourself permission to take up space—through your posture, your pacing, your presence. When you carry yourself with calm confidence, your audience doesn’t worry about you; they focus on your message.
Commitment – You show your audience that you care. This is where your energy, voice, and body language bring your words to life. If you don’t look and sound like you believe what you’re saying, you can’t expect others to believe it either. Communication is the transfer of energy, not just information.
Connection – The payoff. True communicators don’t just make eye contact—they make people feel seen. They read the room, respond to feedback, and adapt in the moment. They don’t broadcast at an audience; they interact with listeners.

When you bring confidence, commitment, and connection together, you stop simply giving information. You create impact.

Consistency Over Intensity

Improvement doesn’t come from one weekend seminar or one big keynote. It comes from consistent practice.

Like a golfer who would rather hit the range three times a week for 30 minutes than spend two days grinding and then hang up the clubs, communicators grow when they practice small improvements over time.

That’s how habits form. That’s how confidence builds. That’s how communication becomes muscle memory.

Where to Start

So, what about you?

If you could improve just one thing about your delivery—your “swing”—what would it be?

Calming your nerves?
Slowing down?
Adding more energy?
Using your face and body more intentionally?
Projecting your voice with confidence?

Write it down. Name it. That’s your starting point.

The Call to Action

The best communicators you’ve ever heard—whether it’s a keynote speaker, a pastor, a CEO, or a coach on the sidelines—share the same qualities. They’re confident. They’re committed. And they’re connected.

And here’s the good news: so can you.

Because the secret to becoming a communicator worth listening to isn’t about perfection.
It’s about progress.

Start small. Practice often. And remember: your swing matters more than your slides.