Why your communication may be falling flat (and how to fix it)

We all know the feeling. You send out a post, an email, an update and.... nothing.

No replies. No clicks. No sign that anyone even noticed.

It’s not that your message didn't matter.

It just didn’t resonate.

If you’re a business owner, communicator or marketer, this can be especially frustrating. You're trying to connect, to inform, to inspire action - and yet somehow, your communication falls flat.

But it’s not about being a better writer or content creator. It’s about pausing before you press send.

Because effective communication doesn’t start with what you want to say. It starts with why you’re saying it.

Start with "Why"

Many people begin the communication process by jumping straight into the message or choosing a favourite channel.

"Let’s send a video!" or "We need a newsletter."

BUT WAIT!

What problem are you actually trying to solve?

Sometimes, communication isn’t even the right answer. Your business goal might be better achieved through a process change, a policy shift or a simple conversation.

So, before crafting a single sentence, ask yourself:

• What is the reason for this message?

• What are we hoping it will change?

• What happens if we do nothing?

When your purpose is clear, the rest becomes easier.

People-first, always

Another common mistake is focusing too much on the sender and not enough on the receiver.

Your message might make perfect sense to you but your audience doesn’t share your knowledge, context or experience.

That’s why empathy is essential.

Effective communication starts by stepping into your audience’s shoes:

• Who are they?

• What do they care about?

• What else is going on in their world right now?

Creating audience personas (even quick, informal ones) can help tailor your message so it actually connects.

Keep it simple

It’s tempting to try to sound smart, polished or creative - especially in marketing - but clarity wins every time.

That’s where the Know, Feel, Do approach can help:

• What do you want your audience to know?

• How should they feel?

• What should they do next?

This simple model brings focus and structure to your communication - making it easier for people to engage with.

It's not just what you say

Even the best-crafted message can fail if it’s delivered the wrong way.

The format, channel and timing of your communication are just as important as the message itself.

A heartfelt video might go unnoticed if everyone’s in back-to-back meetings. An urgent update buried in a newsletter might be missed entirely.

Think about where your audience is most likely to engage. Think about their attention span, their environment and their preferred formats.

Bringing it all together

Start with why.

Put people first.

Ensure clarity.

Choose the right channel.

If you’re looking for a framework to help, the Resonate with People™ course covers all of this in eight clear, practical steps.

But whether you take the course or not, these core principles can make a real difference.

Because when your communication resonates, people don’t just notice.

They listen. They respond. They take action.

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Want to learn more? Download the free guide to get the full overview of the Resonate with People™ program.