Three Steps to More Effective Communication

I recently worked with a group of leaders on a simple question:

“What would make us more effective?”

"Communication" quickly rose to the top.

The whiteboard filled up fast: Clarity. Presence. More face-to-face. Fewer meetings. Better listening.

All useful. But also… a bit overwhelming.

So we distilled it into something practical—something you can actually use in pressure moments:

The 5 / 10 / 20 Rule

• Speak 5% slower

• Say 10% less

• Listen 20% more

= 30% more effective communication

Our group tried it, it worked - small, deliberate shifts.

What this looks like in practice:

• Speak 5% slowerPause more. Let your words land. Give yourself—and others—time to think.

• Say 10% lessBe concise. Most people don’t need more information—they need clearer signals.

• Listen 20% moreAsk better questions. Stay present. People tell you what matters—if you give them space.

In a world of constant noise, short attention spans, and endless content…

How you communicate matters more than ever.

What changes when you apply this?

• People feel heard and understood

• Your message actually sticks

• Conversations become more focused

Try it for 30 days.

Notice what shifts. Refine as you go.

Because better communication isn’t about saying more.

It’s about creating more impact with less.