How do you communicate with senior management and stakeholders in a confident and credible way?

2 Plan your message

Once you know your audience, you need to plan your message carefully and strategically. You need to define your purpose, objectives, key points, evidence, and call to action. You also need to anticipate any questions, objections, or feedback that they might have, and prepare your responses. You should structure your message in a clear, concise, and logical way, and use appropriate language and tone. You should also consider the best medium and timing for your communication, whether it is email, phone, video call, or face-to-face meeting.

3 Deliver your message

When you deliver your message to senior management and stakeholders, you need to demonstrate your confidence and credibility through your verbal and non-verbal communication. You need to speak with clarity, conviction, and enthusiasm, and avoid filler words, jargon, or slang. You need to use positive body language, such as eye contact, posture, gestures, and facial expressions, and avoid negative signals, such as fidgeting, crossing your arms, or looking away. You need to listen actively and attentively, and show respect and empathy. You also need to handle any questions, objections, or feedback professionally and diplomatically, and acknowledge their perspectives and concerns.

4 Follow up your message

After you communicate with senior management and stakeholders, you need to follow up your message with appropriate actions and updates. You need to thank them for their time and attention, and summarize the main points and outcomes of your communication. You also need to confirm any agreements, commitments, or next steps, and provide any additional information or documents that they requested or that you promised. You should also monitor and measure the impact and results of your communication, and report any progress or challenges to them regularly.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

Finally, you need to seek feedback and improvement on your communication with senior management and stakeholders. You need to ask for their opinions and suggestions on how you can communicate better with them, and what they liked or disliked about your communication. You also need to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses, and identify any areas that you need to work on or learn more about. You should also seek opportunities to practice and improve your communication skills, such as taking courses, reading books, or joining groups or mentors.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?