October 7, 2025
Episode 158: Clear and Compelling: How to Master Leadership Communication with Salvatore Manzi
In this episode of The Future of Teamwork. Dane Groeneveld interviews Salvatore Manzi, Leadership Communications Coach and author of Clear and Compelling. Salvatore shares why most public speaking training caters to extroverts, and how he’s developed frameworks that work just as well for introverted, analytical leaders. He introduces his three pillars of communication – content, delivery, and presence – and explains how they help leaders connect across functions, reduce misunderstandings, and inspire action.
You’ll hear practical tools like his “You, then Me” principle, ways to build rapport with both individuals and large groups, and why novelty every few minutes keeps an audience engaged. Salvatore breaks down the three core elements of effective delivery – body, eyes, and voice – and shares his favorite, easy-to-apply tips for online and in-person communication. You’ll learn why posture, gestures, and cadence matter, how to use the “power of pause” to command attention, and his simple “ten-second rule” for building instant connection in virtual meetings.
Whether you’re leading a team meeting, pitching investors, or communicating big change, this episode offers actionable insights to help you show up with clarity, confidence, and connection.
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🔗 Connect with Salvatore Manzi on LinkedIn
Clear and Compelling: How to Master Leadership Communication with Salvatore Manzi
Guest Bio
Salvatore Manzi is a leadership communications coach with over 20 years of experience helping inclusive change makers amplify their influence and impact. With emphasis on frameworks, principles, and techniques, Salvatore empowers thought leaders to connect authentically and navigate high-stakes engagements with confidence. On a mission to create a world of acceptance, Salvatore began working to create inclusive spaces in 2014 co-founding a 28-person DEI Leader collective and has designed and led programs for international organizations including the World Economic Forum.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork
01:40 Meet Salvatore Manzi: Leadership Communications Coach
02:00 Salvatore’s Journey into Leadership Communication
03:53 Frameworks for Effective Communication
06:54 The Importance of Metaphors in Communication
07:47 Breaking Down Communication: Content, Delivery, and Presence
17:54 Building Rapport and Engaging Your Audience
21:07 The Art of Presentation and Maintaining Attention
23:53 The Power of Nonverbal Cues
24:35 Virtual Communication Tips
24:52 Effective Use of Hands in Virtual Meetings
26:17 The Importance of Eye Contact
28:05 The Rule of Threes in Communication
29:50 Understanding Executive Presence
32:17 Handling Q&A Sessions
33:02 Improving Team Communication
34:00 The Role of Soft Skills in Leadership
35:24 Addressing Communication Gaps
39:31 Assuming Positive Intent
42:15 Final Thoughts and Resources
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