The Art of Communication: Why The Format Shapes What You Say

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. The key to succeeding in many sectors is communication. As such it’s important to understand how to master this timeless art. The following contributed post is entitled, The Art of Communication: Why The Format Shapes What You Say.

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A really strong idea is important, but it’s usually not enough on its own. Ideas are shaped by how they’re communicated. The same concept can be compelling, confusing, or forgettable, depending on how you choose to share it.

In the workplace, communication is rarely a one-size-fits-all affair. Different approaches are needed. What works in one format might actually work against you in another. Understanding how to adapt your message to suit the medium is a real advantage.

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Pitching to Potential Clients

Format: pitch deck & public speaking

Pitching is a space where ideas are under pressure. You’re trying to win someone’s attention, make sure they understand what you’re saying, and actually believe in you, all in a short time. In this format, clarity and engagement matter just as much as the idea itself.

A strong pitch tells a story that makes sense to the people in front of you. It highlights the problem that needs to be addressed, explains why it matters, and positions your solution as a credible and relevant option. Then, visuals should support the story.

The most common mistakes include slides crammed with text, outdated visuals, and too many different ideas crammed into each slide.

Working with specialists like a pitch deck design agency can really help transform complicated ideas into clear, engaging narratives that are worth listening to without being overwhelming.

Keeping Clients Informed About Industry Trends

Format: Emailing

Email is one of the most direct ways to stay in touch with clients, but it’s also one of the easiest things to get wrong. Inbox fatigue is a real thing.
Effective emails are informative, concise, and worth reading. Clear layout matters a lot, especially on mobiles, and a visible call to action that tells the reader what to do next is essential.

The most common mistakes all come down to sending emails too often or sharing content that has no value or relevance. Technical issues, such as receiving the wrong email addresses or messages being flagged as spam, can undo even well-written content.

To avoid this, many organisations rely on professional email tools that make it easy to segment, test, and create clean designs. These tools help ensure messages reach the right people and drive the right action.

Remaining SEO Relevant

Format: blog posts

Blog content is less about getting things out there fast and more about being seen, being credible, and adding real value over time. Well-written blog posts can attract new audiences, answer questions, and position your brand as knowledgeable and trustworthy.

What really counts is usefulness. Content should answer real audience needs, reflect current trends, and be easy to digest. Logical structure, clear headings, and sensible keyword use support your SEO performance.

But mistakes often happen. Relying too heavily on AI content can lead to a robotic tone and factual inaccuracies. Publishing late on trending topics or failing to optimise posts properly all limit impact.

High-quality SEO content usually combines research, planning, and actual editorial judgement. Professional content creation services can help keep things consistent, accurate, and on brand while still making sure posts are optimised and timely.

Sharing Information

Format: Infographics

Infographics are designed to convey a lot of information quickly, and they work best when they distil complex information into something visually engaging and easy to understand.

Clear layout and strong hierarchy are key. The information must be accurate and supported by credible data. And, crucially, it has to be shareable. In other words, if the content feels too niche or confusing, it’s unlikely to spread beyond its original audience.

Common mistakes include overcrowded designs, unverified statistics, and poor visual quality. When design or data is weak, credibility suffers.

Avoiding this usually means starting with a clear message, researching current trends in your sector, and double-checking facts. Working with professional infographic designers can ensure the final result is both visually appealing and strategically effective.

Establishing Yourself as an Expert

Format: Podcast & Video

Podcasts and video content offer a real chance to connect with your audience on a deeper level. They give them access to your thinking, your experience, and your perspective. In this format, trust and consistency are the keys to success.

High-quality production supports credibility, but content remains the real king. Episodes should be well-researched, focussed and designed to answer questions or explore ideas that will genuinely interest your audience.

Mistakes often stem from a lack of preparation, poor video and audio quality.
Successful creators plan topics carefully, invest in basic production standards, and prioritise value over volume.

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Building an Influential Presence

Format: Reels

Short-form video is a game where you have only seconds to capture someone’s attention and even less time to make a real impression.

The thing that’s gonna make or break you is a solid hook, paired with an understanding of platform trends and quality production. Your content must deliver value either by educating or entertaining your viewers, and you’ve got to use visuals and pacing that actually make sense for the platform you’re on.

Some of the most common mistakes people make include coming across with a weak opening, not doing enough research on hashtags, being clueless about the trends on the platform, and producing a low-quality video.

The key to avoiding this is to be willing to study how the platform works and keep up with trends. You want to put in the effort to create relevant and relatable messaging, but at the same time, you need to invest in professional tools that will help you get your sound and visuals together. Learning from your mistakes and testing what works is just part of the journey.

Ideas only really get to shine when you tailor them to the way they’re going to be consumed. Effective communication is not just about what you want to say, but also when, where, and to whom you’re saying it.

Every format has its own set of expectations, its own limitations, and its own advantages. When you start to understand those, your ideas become clearer, more persuasive, and also more memorable for your audience.

The secret to good communication is being able to adapt to the format you’re using and let it guide your message so your idea actually lands with the person you’re trying to reach.

Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

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