The 5 Core Principles of Great Communication
Great communicators don’t just get their message out, they make sure that their message lands, connects, and inspires action. That kind of communication isn’t random, it’s intentional. Over years, as I’ve observed good vs. great communicators, I’ve noticed that there are five core principles that the great ones seem to follow. These five build on each other, like layers in a conversation that work together with a single objective.
Empathy: Listen Like It Matters
The first is empathy. Before you say anything, you have to tune in. Empathy is the act of meeting people where they are. It’s how we create the emotional safety that makes dialogue possible.
You don’t build trust by having all the answers. You build trust by making people feel seen and heard, even when they disagree with you. When someone feels like you “get” them, they’re far more likely to open up, listen in return, and move toward resolution. Empathy shifts the energy from defensive to collaborative and that’s where the real work begins.
Practice this:
Active listening: reflect back what you hear: “It sounds like you’re saying…”
Stay present, not reactive: That means resisting the urge to interrupt, defend, or “fix” while the other person is still talking—just stay with them in the moment.
Validate feelings, even if you don’t share the same view: Validation isn’t agreement, it’s acknowledgment. You’re not saying they’re right; you’re saying, ‘I see that this is how you’re feeling, and that matters.’
Curiosity: Stay open to being surprised
Once you’re emotionally present, stay intellectually open. Curiosity keeps your ego in check and invites richer dialogue. It’s the difference between a debate and a real conversation.
Too often, we enter discussions trying to prove a point instead of learn something new. But when we stay curious, we unlock insights, build stronger relationships, and show others that their perspective matters. Curiosity doesn’t mean you agree, it just means you’re willing to explore. This is how trust deepens, and innovation begins.
Practice this:
Ask open-ended questions like “Tell me more about that” or “What led you to that conclusion?” These keep the conversation going and signal that you’re genuinely interested in the other person’s perspective.”
Replace judgment with wonder. Instead of jumping to “What were they thinking?” try asking “What might be going on behind the scenes?” It shifts you from criticism to curiosity and curiosity keeps the conversation open.
Notice what’s not being said. Sometimes the most important part of a message is between the lines, hesitations, body language, or what they avoid can all offer insight if you're paying attention.
Clarity: Cut through the noise
Only once you’ve listened with empathy and curiosity can you communicate with clarity. Clarity is about being honest, focused, and easy to understand. It doesn’t mean dumbing things down, it means distilling what matters.
When your message is clear, it creates alignment. It prevents misinterpretation, reduces rework, and helps others act with confidence. Clear communication says, “I respect your time and want to be understood.” And in a world where ambiguity is the enemy of progress, clarity is your best tool.
Practice this:
Know your “one thing”—the single most important point. If you’re torn between multiple key ideas, ask yourself: Which one is most urgent for this audience, at this moment? Which one unlocks or supports the others? Clarity often means choosing the point that earns you the right to make the others later.
Lead with it, then support it. Start with your main point or conclusion right up front. Don’t make people dig for it! Once it's clear what you’re saying, use facts, context, or examples to back it up. Think “headline first, details second.”
Avoid jargon unless your audience lives in it. If a word doesn’t make things more clear, don’t use it.
Brevity: Say more by saying less
Clarity’s close cousin. Brevity ensures your message is digestible, not diluted. It respects your audience’s attention and earns more of it.
Being brief doesn’t mean skipping nuance, it means cutting fluff. You’re not just removing words; you’re sharpening the signal. In meetings, emails, or presentations, the most powerful communicators are the ones who can say what matters without wasting a breath.
Practice this:
In writing: edit and then edit again. Look for common clutter: unnecessary qualifiers (“I just wanted to say…”), filler words (“really,” “actually,” “basically”), or sentences that repeat the same idea in slightly different ways. A good edit trims the fat so the meaning hits faster and harder.
In speaking: speak in headlines, then provide context if needed. A headline is a short, clear summary of your main point. Something like, “We need to change the launch date,” or “The results are better than expected.” Think of it as the punchline. It gives people an anchor before you dive into details. When you lead with a headline, your audience knows where you’re going and they’re more likely to follow you there.
Ask yourself: “If they remember one sentence, what should it be?” Hint: it should be the punchline.
Intentionality: Communicate on Purpose
This is where it all comes together. Intentionality is about aligning what you say with why, how, and when you say it. It’s choosing your words and your delivery with purpose, not impulse. What is your intention with this conversation?
Too often, we communicate reactively, without pausing to consider the impact. But intentional communicators think ahead: Who’s in the room? What’s the context? How do I want this to land? It’s the difference between noise and influence. Between saying something… and saying something that sticks.
Practice this:
Ask: “What do I hope happens after this conversation?”
Choose the right medium: Slack isn’t a substitute for sincerity
Choose the right medium: Slack isn’t a substitute for sincerity. For quick updates or logistical questions, Slack or text is fine. For more nuanced conversations, like giving feedback, navigating tension, or expressing appreciation, go with a phone call or face-to-face if you can. Use email when you need a written record or when people need time to process. Choosing the medium based on the message shows respect for both the content and the relationship.
Final Word: Connection Over Perfection
To be completely honest, none of us can communicate perfectly all the time. But that’s not the goal. The goal is to communicate with care, with clarity, and with the intention to connect. These five principles, empathy, curiosity, clarity, brevity, and intentionality. aren’t rules. They’re habits. They’re the difference between talking and truly communicating.
Whether you're leading a team, coaching a colleague, or having a hard conversation at home, let these principles guide you. They build on each other. They support each other. And over time, they reshape how others experience you, not just as a communicator, but as a leader.