Communicate Like a Whale: Lessons in Confidence and Connection

My favourite sight this week has been watching the migrating whales frolicking off the local beaches near my home.

I’m not sure whether there are more this year, or whether they are swimming closer to shore, but I have seen more in the last week than in the last four years I’ve lived on the Sunshine Coast.

And I am loving every tail slap, lunge, and blow.??

Did you realise that whales have high levels of emotional and social intelligence and are excellent communicators?

They learn not only as individuals but also pass their knowledge on to other whales.

My whale research (yes, I’ve gone down some rabbit holes – or should that be blowholes? Haha!) tells me that whales are extremely talented mimics and quick learners demonstrating self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving, joy, and playfulness.

Whales have many things to teach us:

Navigating Uncertainty: Whales embark on long, challenging migrations, often covering thousands of miles with a sense of purpose. I expect the whales I’m currently watching are humpbacks, which migrate north from June to August before they turn around and migrate back towards the Southern Ocean from September to November. They rely on their instincts and internal guidance to stay the course, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Backing themselves and trusting their voice: Whales use sound and vocalizations to communicate over vast distances, despite being unable to see one another. They make decisions to go forward, even in challenging environments. They rely on the power of communication in building connections and relationships to help them achieve their goals, just as humans do when we are focused on the future.

Teamwork and connection: Many whale species travel in pods, relying on collective communication to stay together and survive. They need confidence, faith, and trust in each other to stay connected and aligned with the other whales in the pod, rather than going it alone, which will lead to greater risk of injury and death.

Resilience: Migration is physically taxing, but whales remain resilient throughout the journey, allowing them to reach warmer waters and safety.

Curiosity and adaptability: As they travel through changing environments, they adjust to different water conditions, food availability, and potential threats. In business these traits allow us to maintain strong connections and thrive in dynamic situations, adjusting our message to suit different audiences or contexts.

Empathy: Whales exhibit high levels of empathy and are known to care for sick or injured pod members and even assist other species in distress. It’s a reminder that the most powerful connections often arise when we show others we care about their experiences and emotions.?

The importance of play and joy: Watching these whales playfully splash and breach reminds me of the importance of bringing joy into our lives. While business is serious, having moments of lightness and play can foster creativity and a deeper connection. When we are confident, we are more able to balance seriousness with humour and joy, which helps earn trust.?

So the next time you're communicating with someone – whether in a meeting, at home, or with your team – think about the whales. Trust your voice, be resilient, embrace teamwork, and communicate with empathy. Just like the whales, your communication can create stronger bonds and help you navigate even the most challenging waters.?

Which of these resonates with you??

I’d love to know.?

P.S.?My next 90-day planning workshop is next week , (Thur 3 October) and I'd love you to join me.

Mel Kettle is a leadership communication advisor, strategist, and keynote speaker. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate with confidence, so they create real connections and sustained engagement.

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