We often misinterpret one’s ability to establish connection with the audience as ‘seasoning on the pizza’, it is the Pizza instead.
In relationships, be it personal or professional, in leadership and corporate communication, at every given level, what we say matters—but who we are to our audience matters even more. Before ideas can inspire action, trust must be established. Before the content takes over, connection must be felt. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell says, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” The same rule applies to communication: people connect with the communicator before they absorb the content.
Think of a leader addressing a team during change. The most well-structured strategy will fall flat if employees feel unheard or disconnected. On the other hand, a leader who begins by acknowledging emotions, listening actively, and showing empathy instantly lowers resistance. Once connection is built, even difficult messages are received with openness.
Great leaders and speakers understand this instinctively. Maya Angelou famously said, “People will never forget how you made them feel.” A trainer who starts a session by understanding participants’ challenges, using relatable examples, or sharing a personal story creates psychological safety. In that space, learning happens naturally.
In the corporate world, connection shows up through eye contact, tone, body language, and relevance. It’s about answering the unspoken question in every listener’s mind: “Why should this matter to me?” When connection comes first, content lands deeper, lasts longer, and drives real change.
Because communication isn’t merely about delivering a piece of information or conveying a message—it’s about creating impact.
