When Saying More Makes You Less Clear
Lately, I’ve been noticing something in myself.
I’ll know exactly what I want to say.
The point is clear in my mind.
And yet, when I open my mouth, I add more than is necessary.
A little background.
A justification.
A few extra words to make sure it lands well.
What I’m starting to see is that this isn’t a communication issue.
It’s a confidence issue.
Many high-capacity leaders don’t struggle with knowing what they think.
They struggle with trusting that what they think is enough.
So instead of stating the thing cleanly, we explain around it.
We soften it.
We keep talking, hoping the other person will agree before we stop.
The unintended consequence is this.
The more we add, the less grounded we sound.
The message gets harder to feel, not easier to hear.
And when there’s hesitation in the delivery, it invites questions, debate, and confusion, even when the idea itself is solid.
This is something I’m actively practicing.
Letting my words be simpler.
Allowing silence to do some of the work.
Trusting that clarity doesn’t need padding to be kind.
On March 4, at noon, I’m hosting a live webinar called Breathe Life Into Your Leadership.
We’ll explore:
- why capable leaders over explain,
- how subtle self doubt quietly erodes authority,
- and how to communicate with clarity without over functioning or disconnecting from others.
The first 40 people to register will receive the companion workbook for free. It’s designed to support you during the webinar and give you something practical to return to afterward, not just another insight you forget by Friday.
If you’ve ever left a conversation feeling like you worked too hard to be understood, this will be a meaningful place to spend 90 minutes.
March 4, at noon
Register here: https://lnkd.in/g8TU7Smf
In your corner,
Allison
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