When Communication Becomes a Performance

 

There is so much stress on communication in corporate nowadays.

With AI coming in and many technical skills becoming automated, communication is being called the skill to build. And I agree, it is important. Very important.

But lately, I’ve been observing something.

Communication is slowly becoming equal to articulation, only great articulation.

If you can speak fluently, structure your thoughts well, present confidently, and use the right vocabulary — you are seen as a “great communicator.”

Yes, articulation is a must.

You should be able to put your point forward clearly so the other person understands you. But I beg to differ slightly.

Communication is not just about how well you speak. It is also about how well you listen. And this is where I see something missing. I’ve noticed people entering conversations already prepared to prove a point. Their focus is on framing the perfect sentence, choosing the right words, building the strongest argument.

But in that process, something gets lost.

Listening.

Understanding.

Presence.

Sometimes, they are so eager to respond that they are not really absorbing what the other person is saying. Before the other person finishes, they are mentally preparing their counterpoint.

It becomes less of a conversation and more of a performance. And honestly, it shows.

You can see it in the rushed tone. You can see it in the slight impatience. You can even see it in the forced smile, the kind that disappears quickly because the mind is busy constructing the next sentence. That feels hurtful. Not aggressive. Not loud. Just subtly dismissive.

Emphasising your idea is important. Standing by your point is necessary. But communication should also lead to respect. Actually, before respect, it should lead to understanding. One habit that always stays relevant is from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” It sounds simple. But it is powerful. Imagine entering a meeting with just one intention — “To understand what this person is really saying.”

Not to win.

Not to impress.

Not to prove.

Just to understand.

When you truly listen, your response changes. Your tone softens. Your articulation becomes more relevant. And your idea actually lands better. Because now it is built on connection, not competition. In the age of AI, maybe communication is our edge. But not just polished speech. Real communication, where we pause, allow silence, listen fully, respond and not react. Articulate, yes, but also attentive. Because sometimes, the most powerful communicators in the room are the ones who speak last.