My Top 10 Communication Training Tips From Decades of Coaching Leaders
- May 4
- 3 min read
Here is what actually works when you're training leaders to communicate
By Stephanie Bickel
1. Model before you ask people to practice.
Never send leaders into an exercise cold. Show a strong example first. Then show a messy one. Then show the upgrade. People learn faster when they can see the move before they attempt the move.
Speak by Design move:
“Here is what this sounds like at a good level. Here is what it sounds like when it gets too detailed. Now let’s build yours.”
2. Use real work, not pretend work.
The best training uses the emails, meetings, presentations, updates, objections, and hard conversations people actually face. Hypotheticals are fine for warmups. Real work creates real change.
Speak by Design move:
Ask participants to bring one message they need to deliver soon. Then use the framework on that message.
3. Teach one clean structure at a time.
Do not overload the room with ten tools. Give them one sharp structure they can use immediately. Let them practice it until it becomes usable under pressure.
Speak by Design move:
“Today, we are learning one move: lead with the answer, then support it with two points.”
4. Give people the words.
Most leaders do not need more theory. They need language. Give them opening lines, transition phrases, pushback responses, and cleaner versions of their own sentences.
Speak by Design move:
Instead of saying, “Be more concise,” say:
“Try this: ‘My recommendation is X for two reasons.’”
5. Practice in short, high-energy reps.
Communication skill improves through repetition, not explanation. Keep teaching segments short. Get people talking quickly. Let them try, revise, and try again.
Speak by Design move:
Use 90-second drills: prepare for 2 minutes, speak for 60 seconds, get one note, redo.
6. Coach the redo, not just the first attempt.
The magic happens on the second try. If someone practices once and sits down, the learning stays theoretical. If they apply feedback immediately, the skill starts to stick.
Speak by Design move:
“That was clear. Now do it again, but this time pause after your headline.”
7. Make breakouts accountable.
Breakouts only work when people know the assignment, the timing, and the expectation when they return. Otherwise, they drift.
Speak by Design move:
“Each person will practice once. Pick the strongest 30-second version. When we come back, I’ll ask three groups to share.”
8. Move the room.
Energy is part of learning. Long stretches of sitting make people passive. Change the mode often. Stand up. Switch partners. Practice out loud. Move from reflection to repetition.
Speak by Design move:
“For this next round, stand up. Your voice changes when your body is awake.”
9. Give feedback that is kind, clear, and specific.
Vague encouragement does not build skill. Harsh critique shuts people down. The best feedback is precise and doable.
Speak by Design move:
Use this rhythm:
“What worked was…”
“The next level is…”
“Try it again with this one adjustment…”
10. End with one immediate behavior change.
Do not let people leave with inspiration only. They should leave knowing exactly what to do in their next meeting, next email, next presentation, or next hard question.
Speak by Design move:
Ask:
“What is one communication habit you will use in the next 24 hours?”
The golden rule
The best communication training is not a lecture about speaking well. It is a live rehearsal for leadership.
People should leave thinking:
“I know what to say.”
“I know how to say it.”
“I already tried it.”
“I can use it today.”
Being able to say what needs to be said clearly under pressure is what sets leaders apart.
Inside Speak by Design University, we build that skill through deliberate practice, coaching, and real-world application.
