The expression "think before you speak" brings up a question that this technical note answers: What should someone think about before communicating as a leader? This note recommends taking an audience-centered approach. Through a short vignette, the reader puts themselves in the shoes of a team member whose director has just arrived late to a meeting. An analysis illustrates that the reader's reaction and interpretation are a result of not only the director's immediate words and nonverbal communication, but also the reader's own independent observations and inferences. This analysis suggests that leaders think more holistically before they speak. The note then outlines a practical Attune-Engage-Model thought process through which the leader considers how to (1) attune to themselves, others, and the situation; (2) engage intentionally with stakeholders; and (3) model values, trust, and credibility in the moment and over time. This note is recommended as early reading in a management communication or leadership communication course. It serves as a prelude to or companion of the introduction of communication strategy.
