“At least you’re doing them” was what Tim said when I told him my flip turns were slow and wonky. That was just what I needed to hear from Tim, coach of the Master’s swimming club I just joined. It’s been a long time since I was part of a Master’s team, and those simple words gave me the confidence to keep practicing my flip turns.

Saying the right thing may make a difference. Saying the wrong thing may make a BIG difference. Even when we use the right words, adding filler words can minimize our impact. And don’t forget about tone as it can change everything! Do you have a friend or colleague that always knows what to say, when, and how? Do you wish you had that gift? This series will provide ideas that will allow you to communicate with impact.

Remember the idea of “vertical” versus “horizontal” relationships from our LinkedIn series on Meeting Your KOL for the First Time? We discussed the importance of staying on equal footing with your KOL, as this shapes everything about the conversation—tone, confidence, and body language. The language you use can make a huge difference, supporting an equal relationship that grows positively.