Speak So Executives Listen: 3 Core Principles for Influencing & Managing Up
3 Core Principles for Influencing & Managing Up
English isn’t my first language. When I moved to the U.S., I wrote down words and phrases I heard, studied their meaning, and practiced until they felt natural.
So when I landed my first job on Wall Street, I thought I had a strong command of English.
Then I stepped into my first executive meetings.
I was in for a surprise.
There was another language entirely—one that wasn’t about fluency, but about influence.
That language is Business English.
It’s the language that gets M&A deals done, IPOs approved, and major business decisions made.
I knew I had to master this. I saw that the best communicators weren’t just articulate—they were the ones who secured buy-in, funding, and leadership opportunities.
Just like learning English, I observed, documented, and practiced how they spoke—what worked, what got results.
I share 3 communication principles from my observations. Exceptional communicators: got to the point, made everything business-critical, and made a clear ask.
Here’s how you can do the same.
1️⃣ Start with the Answer First
Executives don’t have time for long-winded explanations. They want the conclusion first.
Think of it like a news headline—the first thing you say should tell them exactly what they need to know. If they want more details, they’ll ask.
🔹 Example
Stop saying:
❌ “We’ve been reviewing the latest market trends and are noticing some interesting shifts…”
Start saying:
✅ “Market trends show a 20% shift in consumer behavior—we need to act now.”
💡 Pro Tip: What is the first sentence of your presentation? If you don’t grab their attention in the first sentence, you’re likely to lose them.
2️⃣ Make It Strategic
Executives think in outcomes, not processes. If your message doesn’t connect to growth, efficiency, or risk, it won’t get prioritized.
🔹 Example
Stop saying:
❌ “We need more engineers on this project.”
Start saying:
✅ “Adding two engineers will reduce backlog by 40% and accelerate delivery by two months.”
💡 Pro Tip: Your message should always answer: How does this affect revenue, efficiency, risk, or growth? If you can’t tie it to a key business driver, it won’t be a priority.
3️⃣ Make an Ask
One of the biggest mistakesI see in communicating with executives is Not being clear about what you need.
Executives move fast, but if they don’t know what you’re asking for, nothing happens.
🔹 Example
Stop saying:
❌ “Let us know if this makes sense.”
Start saying:
✅ “To move forward, we need approval today to reallocate resources.”
💡 Pro Tip: Be specific. Do you need a decision, funding, prioritization, or support? If they don’t know exactly what action to take, your message gets lost.
The Bottom Line
Executives don’t need more information—they need clarity, strategy, and action. If you want to drive decisions and get leadership buy-in, start with the answer, make it strategic, and always make an ask.
Go for it!
Joselle
Want to Take Your Leadership to the Next Level?
Whenever you’re ready, there are two ways I can help you:
1️⃣ Strategy & Planning Bootcamp
Seats are limited! Don’t miss this chance to master the strategic mindset, problem-solving skills, and decision-making frameworks used by top leaders and consultants to drive business success.
In this live, 3-week course, you’ll learn practical strategy frameworks and problem-solving techniques that apply to any business, industry, or leadership role.
👉 Secure your spot here today before it fills up!
2️⃣ Strategy Toolkit
Get started now with the essential resource for strategic leaders. These frameworks and communication techniques will help you articulate ideas, drive discussions, and lead with presence immediately.
👉Explore the toolkit here.