#487 Ask the Expert - The Power of Influence and the Messenger Effect with Steve Martin

How do you make sure your message gets heard—and acted on? In this Squiggly Careers Ask the Expert episode, Helen speaks with author and influence expert Steve Martin about the powerful role of the messenger in communication.

Drawing on insights from his book Messengers, Steve explains how people respond differently depending on who delivers the message, and why understanding the difference between hard and soft messenger traits can transform your influence at work.

Together, they talk about how you can be more effective in meetings, remote settings, and team communication—plus how to match the right message to the right messenger for maximum impact.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Squiggly Careers Podcast

01:00 Why the Messenger Matters as Much as the Message

04:40 Trust vs Truth: How We Really Decide Who to Listen To

07:20 Hard vs Soft Messengers (and When Each One Works Best)

13:15 The Kevin Keegan Story: Choosing the Right Messenger

15:20 Why Content Isn't Everything: Choosing the Right Voice

16:30 A Better Way to Start Meetings (That Builds Credibility)

20:00 The Role of Introductions in Empowering Messengers

21:15 Influence in Remote Work: Tips for Zoom & Teams

25:30 Mimicry and Mirroring: Small Shifts That Build Connection

29:08 Announcements

🎯 What You’ll Learn

- Why who delivers a message can be more important than what they say

- The difference between hard and soft messenger traits—and when to use each

- Practical ways to increase your influence in meetings and remote settings

- How to elevate others as effective messengers to get results as a team

📚 Resources Mentioned

Steve's Book, Messengers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Messengers-Who-Listen-Dont-Why/dp/1847942350

Try Steve’s free quiz: https://www.influenceatwork.com/quiz/

Influence with Robert Cialdini: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d5VBsx-Rec

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

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