How to Stop Whispering in the Age of Megaphones?

If you’ve ever sat across from a serious gentleman in a blazer (or a serious lady with a notebook), you’ve probably heard – or maybe even said yourself – one of these famous business mantras: “Our product speaks for itself.” “We don’t push, we work quietly.” “Social media? That’s for people who post dogs and breakfasts.” “If it’s good – people will recognize it on their own.” Well… they won’t. And not because your product isn’t good, but because today’s world is like a shopping mall on a Saturday morning – everything’s screaming, glowing, and offering something.

Photo: AI

If you don’t speak up, you won’t remain a “mysterious expert” – you’ll remain invisible. You can have the best service, the smartest strategy, the most loyal team – but if no one knows about it, it’s the same as not having it at all. Public communication today isn’t bragging. It’s not posing. It’s not an ego trip. It’s a tool. A strategy. Your digital handshake with the world.

People trust faces, not logos

People don’t just trust companies anymore. They trust people. Those with a face, a voice, an opinion, a presence. Customers want to know who’s in charge. Investors want to feel the vision. Employees want a leader they can trust – not just a director firing off emails without a greeting. Consistent and authentic communication doesn’t mean you have to post on Stories every day – but it does mean building presence. When you’re known, people trust you more. And when they trust you, they stick with you. And they buy. And recommend. And come work for you instead of “that silent guy who pays in coupons.”

Communication opens doors – and windows

Visibility gives you more than you think. It strengthens your personal and business brand. It positions you as someone who knows what they’re doing – and knows how to explain it. It brings media attention, easier partnerships, better hires, more interest, and even peace of mind when a crisis hits – because you’ve already built trust. And just to be clear – no, you don’t need to film TikToks on a treadmill while reciting business mantras. You just need to show up – smartly, clearly, in a format that suits you. LinkedIn posts, blogs, podcast guest spots, trend commentary, conferences, company newsletters, even internal communication – all of these are tools. You don’t need to use them all. But you can’t use none.

“What should I say?” – A question with no excuse

The most common business question: “But what should I say?” The answer: more than you think. Tell people why you do what you do. Which mistakes you made and what you learned. Praise your team when they shine. Comment on something in your industry. Share a practice that worked for you. Talk about challenges and lessons. You’re not sharing a diary, you’re sharing value. You don’t need to share everything – but whatever you do share should have a beginning, middle, and end that makes sense to your audience.

Consistency, not frequency

The rhythm? Moderate but consistent. You don’t need to turn into a megaphone, but being a ghost isn’t an option either. Two to four LinkedIn posts a month, media appearances two or three times a year, a few conferences, a monthly newsletter, a team message now and then – that’s more than enough to stay visible. To be recognized. To know you left a mark.

Mistakes that push you back into the shadows

Mistakes? Of course. The biggest one is clichés. Communication that feels like a PowerPoint from 2004. Speaking up only when there’s something to sell. Writing like a bureaucratic robot. And – fear. That familiar “what if I look stupid?” You won’t. Honesty and clarity beat every corporate paragraph. And if you’re stuck, ask for help – from an expert, a colleague, even AI (yes, we love a good text too). Just don’t wait for perfection. Because while you’re crafting the perfect intro, someone else is already collecting likes, comments – and clients.

A mini stress-free communication plan

If you want a quick plan, here you go. First: decide what you want people to think when they hear your name. Three words. For example: “reliable,” “innovative,” “normal” (that last one is underrated). Then decide your tone: friendly? professional? ironic with a touch of warmth? Next, set a communication rhythm that works for you. And when you write – write like you’re talking to a friend over coffee. Let the headline be concrete. The intro should set the question or theme. In the middle, share an experience, a number, or a stance. Wrap it up with a message or question that sticks. And if someone comments – reply. Communication is a two-way street, not a monologue to a wall.

Still doubting?

One last reminder. Public communication today isn’t a luxury. It’s not an add-on to your work. It is work. People want to know who you are, how you think, how you lead. You don’t need to be a media star. But you do need to be a leader who is seen. Because once you speak clearly, honestly, and with purpose – people won’t just hear you. They’ll trust you.