Salvatore Manzi, a communications coach for data-driven leaders and author of *Clear and Compelling*, shares valuable insights on overcoming communication barriers in the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of transforming technical brilliance into clear messaging. Manzi discusses the art of storytelling, how to manage nerves during presentations, and the crucial role of body language in ensuring alignment between message and intention. He also dives into navigating uncertainties and building trust to maintain influence as a leader.
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insights INSIGHT
Meaning Over Metrics
The brain seeks meaning, not raw data, so dumping metrics without relevance loses listeners.
Tell the story behind the numbers to connect data to decisions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Prius Metaphor That Changed A Meeting
A data manager used a Prius metaphor to make stakeholders understand mismatch of expectations.
The metaphor changed how people listened and made her influence practical.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Metaphors To Move Minds
Use metaphors after data to translate complexity into familiar ideas.
Build a personal metaphor toolbox from your hobbies to make points stick.
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What do you do when your technical brilliance doesn’t translate into clear, compelling communication? That’s where Salvatore Manzi comes in. With a background in business communication and a career spent coaching leaders across tech, finance, and global policy, Salvatore helps bold thinkers bring clarity and connection to even the most complex ideas.
In this episode, we talk about the communication challenges that many technical leaders face—especially when speaking to non-technical stakeholders. Whether you’re leading a product team, presenting in a high-stakes board meeting, or trying to assert your voice in a fast-paced discussion, Salvatore offers practical strategies that go far beyond public speaking tips. His insights are grounded in two decades of real-world experience, from coaching TEDx speakers and United Nations delegates to guiding SVPs through business model pivots and helping raise hundreds of millions in funding.
We explore how data-driven leaders can use storytelling without compromising accuracy, how to manage energy and presence when nerves kick in, and what leadership looks like when you lean more analytical than charismatic. Salvatore shares a refreshing take on body language, framing it not as performance but as a tool for genuine alignment between your message and your intention.
We also dig into the nuance of communicating uncertainty—how to be honest and credible without losing influence. For anyone in a technical role looking to lead more effectively, this episode is packed with insight. Salvatore’s mission is to help people speak with clarity and lead with authenticity. After this conversation, you may just find yourself doing both a little differently.
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