In this episode of the Big Deal Podcast, Cody Sanchez shares practical communication techniques used by top 1% performers to gain respect and influence.
Key topics include headline-first speaking, decisive and concise language, nonverbal cues indicating warmth and competence, commanding the conversation frame, storytelling, and ending interactions with clear actions.
The episode highlights the importance of preparation and self-awareness in effective communication.
Action Items
No explicit action items or assigned owners were stated in the transcript.
Communication Techniques of Top Performers
Speak in Headlines: Start with the main point to capture attention and prevent others from taking credit for your ideas. Avoid unnecessary preamble.
Decisive Speech: Use clear, direct statements with minimal hedging or apologizing. Specify the purpose, relevance, and required time when requesting attention.
Frame Conversations: Present issues and solutions concisely, e.g., “I have a problem causing missed revenue—can we discuss it for 5 minutes?”
Signal Warmth and Competence: Use both verbal and nonverbal cues. Warmth: smiling, nodding (especially slow triple nods for engagement), and head tilts. Competence: confident posture, visible hands, finger steepling, calm demeanor.
Speaking with Authority
Cut Words, Add Weight: Use fewer, sharper words. Favor data, numbers, and credentials to reinforce expertise and provide clarity.
Structure Responses: When unsure, provide a framework for action and propose regrouping at a specific time/date.
Gestures, Eyes, Tone (“GET”): Use purposeful hand gestures, maintain authoritative vocal tone (lower, flatter pitch), and use narrowed eyes to signal active engagement.
Master the Pause: After delivering key points, pause to create gravity and show comfort with silence. Use nonverbal cues (e.g., raised finger) to maintain control and prevent interruptions.
Tell Stories, Not Just Stats: Use narratives to make points memorable and persuasive. Lead with stories, support with data.
Framing & Commanding Conversations
Three-Point Rule: Organize communication into three categories for memorability (e.g., opportunity, risk, next step). Use “named and framed” phrasing.
Command the Frame: Define the context and focus of the conversation. Reframe objections without confronting directly and avoid facial expressions or tones that suggest condescension.
Project Calm Certainty: Display steadiness and composure—even if uncertain internally. Avoid emotional displays like crying in professional settings.
Name the Elephant: Voice the obvious but unspoken issue in a group; this can break tension and strengthen leadership credibility.
Directing Next Steps & Probing Deeper
End with a Command: Always conclude discussions with a clear, actionable directive to move people to act.
Ask Dangerous Questions: Pose bold, candid questions to provoke deep thought and demonstrate leadership.
Self-Assessment: Review communication (such as emails) for warmth (words like "cheers," "collaborate") vs. competence (words like "results," "outcomes") to identify areas for improvement.
Decisions
No formal business decisions were made; the episode offers principles and recommendations for communication rather than case-specific decisions.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
No open questions or pending follow-ups were identified in the transcript.