Smita Das Jain’s Leading With Words is a comprehensive leadership communication playbook. Through this book, Smita showcases her multifaceted expertise as an author, TEDx Speaker, executive coach, personal empowerment life coach, and NLP practitioner who advises Fortune 500 companies worldwide. True to its title, the book delves into the transformative power of communication, especially how it can inspire, influence, and drive results. Leading With Words is an essential guide for leaders, managers, and ambitious professionals eager to harness the art of effective communication.
The author strengthens her narrative with real-life statistics and data drawn from extensively researched sources, which add credibility and context. The book is structured in four parts: an introduction to leadership communication, a deeper exploration of its nuances, practical applications across specific scenarios, and strategies for elevating one’s leadership presence. Smita presents the content in a highly engaging conversation format between Karthik Singh, the CEO of an MNC, Priya, the HR head, and Rajesh, the sales head. Much of the dialogue unfolds through Karthik’s anecdotes and examples, with an intriguing twist in the form of his coach’s appearance toward the end (no spoilers here!).
Throughout, the author equips readers with practical tools, tips, and techniques covering public speaking, impactful presentations, verbal and non-verbal cues, and handling difficult conversations. She highlights the power of storytelling as a vehicle for compelling narratives while also emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural communication in fostering inclusive workplaces. Above all, she reinforces how effective leadership communication can be both persuasive and inspiring, helping leaders nurture and elevate their teams.
One quote that particularly resonated with me was: “Active listening isn’t just about hearing—it’s about being present in the moment and genuinely connecting with the speaker.”
Each chapter concludes with a summary table, serving as a handy refresher of key principles and making the book a ready reckoner for busy professionals. This is not a one-time read; it’s the kind of book that grows with you, functioning as a long-term communication companion. What makes it even more practical is the bonus downloadable workbook included at the end, which allows readers to immediately apply the frameworks. Importantly, the techniques shared are not limited to corporate contexts; they are universally applicable to anyone who wants to communicate with clarity and influence. Grab this book if you aspire to become an impactful communicator!
