In my fifth and final article in the “How Leaders Communicate” series, I examine how leaders give a call for action and how 10 sentences can change the world.
10) Call for action
Scholars of Roman history say that when Cicero spoke, people marveled. When Caesar spoke, people marched.
Cicero was impressive. Caesar influenced. What was the difference?
Great messages end with a call to action.
Todd Beamer, a hero on hijacked flight United 93 September, 11, 2001 made famous the phrase “Let’s roll.” His actions, and that of his colleagues, may well have saved many lives. In the crucible of crisis, Todd clearly signaled it was time to act on the plans that had been laid.
Too many communicate without a clear call to action. Every email, phone call, voicemail, conversation or speech can and probably should conclude with a “Let’s do it” indicated: let’s move forward, take the next step, get involved, play your part, etc.
Jeff Salzman, a cofounder with Jimmy Calano of the training company CareerTrack, had an excellent technique for assuring commitment from others. Jeff suggested that when making a request, simply conclude by asking “Do I have your word on that?”
That gives people a chance to seriously consider the agreement. If they have hesitations or reluctance, it will come up at that point. Most conscientious people take giving their word very seriously.
Others tell. Leaders sell.
Others impress. Leaders influence.
Others try to be heard. Leaders try to be understood.
Others explain. Leaders energize.
Others listen. Leaders hear what is being said.
Others inform. Leaders inspire.
Others give facts. Leaders tell stories.
Ten Sentences Can Change the World
The Gettysburg Address is one of the most memorable speeches of American history. Delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the scene of one of the civil war’s most costly battles, in only ten sentences Lincoln was able to not only encapsulate the great truths he wanted to convey, but to communicate them powerfully and memorably.
Did you know there was another speaker on the dais that day in Gettysburg? His name was Edward Everett. A senator who was considered the most skilled orator of his time, he traveled around the country addressing audiences. He was the equivalent of today’s professional speaker.
Did you know there was another speaker on the dais that day in Gettysburg? His name was Edward Everett. A senator who was considered the most skilled orator of his time, he traveled around the country addressing audiences. He was the equivalent of today’s professional speaker.
Eloquent, he was also long-winded: his speech lasted for nearly two hours. Lincoln’s ten sentences trumped Everett’s two hours.
Great leaders are not evaluated on their eloquence, but on their impact.
Your Ten Sentences
What are your ten sentences as a leader?
What are those things you hold to be deepest and most valuable?
Should you only be able to communicate ten sentences of ideas that summarize and encapsulate all that is important to you and define who you are, what would those ten sentences be?
Beware of anyone who tells you that you should be able to summarize what you are about on the back of a business card. While you might have room for a life purpose or mission statement, the depth and breadth of your life should take up more space.
Beware of anyone who tells you that you should be able to summarize what you are about on the back of a business card. While you might have room for a life purpose or mission statement, the depth and breadth of your life should take up more space.
If Lincoln could summarize an epoch of history in ten sentences, then with careful thought and consideration, you should be able to summarize the epoch of our own desired leadership impact.
What are your ten sentences as a leader?
In the previous articles in the “How Leaders Communicate” series, I discussed how leaders sell 9 other ways they influence. Visit http://www.marksanborn.com/ for more resources.
