The Secret to Being More Influential When You Speak

When I was younger, I couldn’t figure out why certain leaders commanded the room in meetings. Why did people listen when they spoke? Why did their words stick with everyone long after the meeting ended?

Fifteen years later, I’ve cracked the code. And lucky for you, I’m sharing it!

The good news? Influence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or having the most senior title. It’s about how you communicate. Small shifts in the way you express your ideas can transform how others perceive and remember you. Here are four simple but powerful ways to elevate your influence in meetings:

1️⃣ Use Analogies – Facts are forgettable, but stories stick.

People don’t remember raw data—they remember stories. Research shows that analogies make information 22 times more memorable. A strong analogy creates a mental shortcut that helps people understand and retain your message effortlessly.

Instead of saying, “We need to upskill the team so we can move faster,” say, “We need to sharpen the axe so we can chop down the tree faster.” A clear, visual analogy makes your message land and linger.

Try incorporating analogies into your next meeting. You’ll be surprised at how much more impact your words have.

2️⃣ BLUF – Bottom Line Up Front

Most people structure their communication backward: they explain first, then reveal their key point at the end. The problem? By the time they get there, half the room has tuned out. The most effective communicators flip the script—they start with the conclusion.

This is called BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front). Instead of leading with background information, start with your main point and then provide context. This keeps your audience engaged and ensures your message is crystal clear.

For example, instead of saying: ❌ “The market conditions are shifting, competition is increasing, and our resources are limited, so we need to focus on our core strengths.”

Say: ✅ “We need to focus on our core strengths to stay competitive. The market conditions are shifting, and our resources are limited, so this is our best path forward.”

See the difference? Your message lands immediately, and your audience stays with you.

3️⃣ Use the Rule of 3 – The brain loves patterns.

Ever noticed how the most memorable speeches, taglines, and frameworks come in threes? That’s because the brain retains information better in groups of three. Our minds crave patterns, and three is the magic number for clarity and retention.

Want people to take action after your meeting? Try wrapping up with:

• “Here are the three things we’ll focus on moving forward...”

• “We have three key priorities this quarter: efficiency, innovation, and growth.”

This structure makes it easier for people to understand and remember your message—and more importantly, to act on it.

4️⃣ WAIT – Why Am I Talking?

The most influential people speak less but with more impact. Before you jump into the conversation, ask yourself: Why Am I Talking? (WAIT). This simple question helps you ensure that your contributions are meaningful and add value to the discussion.

Too often, people feel the need to fill silences or prove their expertise by talking more. But the best leaders focus on deep listening and being fully present before sharing their carefully considered input.

Influence isn’t about how much you say—it’s about saying the right things at the right time.

Mastering these four techniques will help you command attention, be more memorable, and drive action in your meetings. Influence isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about communicating with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Want to sharpen your or your team’s communication skills? Check out our courses and start leading meetings with greater impact: www.fearless.online/courses

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