Eli Champion’s Communicate Like a Champion is a straightforward, practical guide to improving professional communication. The book breaks down why communication matters, how intentions shape interactions, what factors influence the way messages are received, and how to put strategies into practice with clarity and empathy. It’s full of simple, actionable steps, like clarifying your purpose before a meeting, checking tone in emails, and following up after conversations, that aim to make anyone a more confident and respected communicator.

What stood out to me initially was the book’s emphasis on practical application rather than abstract theory. Champion illustrates this with the example of a manager calling for “a quick meeting” without providing context. As he explains, such ambiguity often leaves employees uncertain and anxious, unsure whether they have erred or whether the meeting is merely routine. I found this example particularly resonant, having experienced the situation from both perspectives as the uneasy employee and as the manager who failed to provide sufficient clarity. The recommended adjustments, such as stating the purpose of the meeting at the outset or clarifying next steps before closing, are deceptively simple yet highly effective. I could immediately envision how these practices would have alleviated unnecessary tension and improved understanding. This emphasis on directness and transparency exemplifies the book’s core message: communicate with precision to minimize confusion and foster confidence.

I found the chapter on the “7 Components of Communication” particularly instructive. While the framework, clarity, confidence, respect, listening, tone, empathy, and follow-up may appear familiar, Champion’s illustrations prompted meaningful reflection on my own communication practices. One example contrasted the response “I don’t think that will work” with the more considerate phrasing, “I see your point, but can I offer another perspective?” The distinction is subtle yet powerful, highlighting how word choice and tone can determine whether a message is received as dismissive or constructive. Confronted with this comparison, I recognized moments when I have defaulted to the blunt response, often unintentionally undermining collaboration. The example served as a useful reminder of the value of consistently striving for a more respectful approach.

Another notable feature of the book is the 28-day communication challenge. Organized around weekly themes, such as clarity, listening, empathy, and follow-up, it provides daily prompts that encourage practical application, including exercises like restating a colleague’s point to confirm understanding or sending a follow-up email after a meeting. I appreciated that this section moves beyond theory to establish a structured practice routine. When I applied one of the suggested exercises, clarifying my intention at the beginning of a meeting, I was struck by how much more effectively the conversation unfolded. The challenge, paired with the book’s approachable tone, created the sense of being guided by a mentor offering encouragement, rather than being instructed by a prescriptive voice.

I found Communicate Like a Champion to be highly practical and accessible. Rather than relying on jargon or overly complex frameworks, it presents straightforward tools and encourages consistent application. I would recommend this book to early-career professionals seeking to develop confidence, to managers aiming to strengthen their leadership presence, and to anyone who has left a conversation feeling uncertain about its outcome. With reflection and deliberate practice, the strategies outlined here have the potential to significantly improve the way one engages in meetings, correspondence, and professional interactions more broadly.

Pages: 65 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FG71T9MZ