The Most Underrated Business Skill No One Talks About (It’s Not Sales)
In less than two weeks, I’ll step on stage at the Perform Better Summit in Chicago, one of the top events in the fitness industry.
As I wrap up my final prep, I’m reminded of something I believe more fitness pros should know:
The ability to speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively is one of the most overlooked and profitable business skills you can develop.
Even if you’re a naturally good storyteller, communication is still a skill that must be trained. And like any other skill, progress takes time and repetition.
Now that I’m speaking on some of the bigger stages, does the training stop?
Not quite. Although I’ve been “training” for decades, I may have done more this year than any other.
Along with staying active in my local Toastmasters club, I’ve also:
Completed a speaking certification with Todd Durkin and Travis Barnes
Graduated from Anthony Trucks’ Speak to Freedom program
Consulted with Duarte, one of the best-known presentation firms in the world
Public speaking reminds me a lot of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You can train for years, but there’s always more to learn. In fact, the more you learn, the more you realize how much more there is.
That said, you don’t need to be a professional speaker to benefit from stronger communication.
In the early days of my personal training business, one of the best things I did was offer free talks about the power of fitness and nutrition to anyone who would listen. It built trust, generated leads, and helped me improve my ability to connect with people.
There is something powerful about standing in front of a group and guiding them toward a better future. Few are willing to do it, which means that those who do will reap the rewards.
Unfortunately when I started I had no clue what I was doing and would literally copy other speakers. I wrote this so you don’t have to be a copycat like I was.
If you're ready to grow your influence and impact, here are five powerful tips to help you communicate more effectively whether you're talking to a room full of clients or presenting at your next event.
Create the Gap
If your goal is to inspire change, you need to create contrast between what is and what could be. Help your audience feel the cost of staying stuck and the benefit of moving forward. This contrast should show up throughout your talk. Great movies use tension, twists, and emotion. Your presentation should too.
Anchor to One Big Idea
Every talk needs a core message that ties everything together. A bunch of scattered ideas, even if they’re interesting, will only leave your audience confused. One clear thesis gives your message power and direction.
Offer a Clear Reward
Why should people listen to you? What will they walk away with? This doesn’t always mean a better body or more money. Sometimes the reward is clarity, confidence, or even a shift in perspective. Give your audience a reason to care.
Keep It Simple (K.I.S.S.)
This is one of the most important and most difficult skills. In her book Resonate, Nancy Duarte explains that audiences are not saying “Tell me more” — they’re saying “Make it clear.” Too much information creates overwhelm. Focus on clarity, not quantity.
Make It Memorable
There isn’t much “new” information out there. What makes a message stick is how it’s delivered. Infuse your talk with personal stories, humor, or metaphors that reflect your personality. The content may not be unique, but the way you tell it can be.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but if you apply even a few of these ideas, your message will land stronger and help more people.
Whether you’re leading a team, selling a program, or just trying to make a bigger difference — the ability to communicate clearly is one of your greatest business assets.
Just send me a message or click here to book a free clarity call.
Let’s figure out the right path forward, together.
