Speak softly and carry a big wit

An elderly man was on the operation table awaiting a very life-threatening complicated surgery for him, and he insisted that his son-in-law, a renowned surgeon, operate.

As he was about to get the anesthesia, he spoke to his son-in-law.

“Yes, Dad. What is it?”

“Don’t be nervous, son; do your best, and remember, if it doesn’t go well and something happens to me, your mother-in-law will come and live with you.”

The surgery was a great success.

Now, that is the power of effective communication.

Some effective leaders can get things done. But pretty soon, they are disliked, replaced, or worse – they drive good people away. And then there are the wise leaders. They inspire.

I was invited to give a keynote at VoiceCon. VoiceCon PH is a one-day conference that brings top experts and voice professionals together to empower attendees to connect and speak confidently. Even the organizers were pleasantly surprised that their VIP tickets sold out within a few days. Over a thousand people attended in person, and hundreds of others attended online.

The audience comprised businesspeople, vloggers and content creators, podcasters, teachers and educators, marketing and sales professionals, and even pastors and public speakers.

You would have thought that speaking and communicating come naturally to a leader, but that is untrue. Many still seek to improve the way they communicate.

Brian Dodd gives us an exciting take on how inspiring leaders communicate, and he draws his principles from the bible – primarily from the Book of Proverbs.

In leadership, words are like arrows – they can’t be taken back once released. Proverbs 15 offers timeless wisdom on communication, reminding us that how we say something is just as crucial as what we say.

1. Speak softly

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Gentle words can defuse tension faster than a fire extinguisher at a barbecue.

2. Choose words carefully

“The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” (Proverbs 15:2)

Think before you speak – unless you’re aiming for a starring role in a blooper reel.

3. Speak with gentleness

“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

Kind words can build bridges; harsh ones can burn them faster than flamethrowers.

4. Share knowledge freely

“The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.” (Proverbs 15:7)

Sharing wisdom is like passing the mic at a karaoke night – everyone gets a chance to shine.

5. Pray properly

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to Him.” (Proverbs 15:8)

Authentic prayers are like heartfelt tweets – they resonate more than automated messages.

6. Ask great questions

“The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.” (Proverbs 15:14)

Curiosity didn’t kill the cat; it made the leader wiser.

7. Offer apt answers

“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23)

Timing is everything – like delivering a punchline just right.

8. Be gracious in speech.

“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure.” (Proverbs 15:26)

Gracious words are like compliments – they never go out of style.

9. Ponder before speaking

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Proverbs 15:28)

Think twice before speaking – unless you’re aiming for a foot-in-mouth award.

10. Pray with righteousness

“The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29)

Sincere prayers are like direct calls – no need for voicemail.

11. Share good news

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.” (Proverbs 15:30)

The good news is the original energy drink – refreshing and uplifting.

12. Embrace humility

“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33)

Humility is the secret sauce in the recipe of leadership.

Conclusion

Wise leaders don’t just talk – they connect, inspire, and uplift. By embracing these principles from Proverbs 15, leaders can foster environments where communication is clear, compassionate, and constructive.

As the saying goes, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”

So, speak wisely, lead kindly, and remember: even in leadership, a little humor and fun go a long way.

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Francis Kong’s “Inspiring Excellence” podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google and other podcast streaming platforms.