Jacqui d'Eon - Blog #voiceJacqui d'Eon - Blog #voicehttps://www.jacquideon.com/blog/tag/voiceSun, 10 May 2026 16:00:16 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Make Your Message Matter]]>https://www.jacquideon.com/blog/post/advice-for-new-leadersIf you’re stepping into a new leadership role, here’s the truth: communication isn’t a "soft skill" add-on; it’s one of the main levers you have.]]>
Young leader standing in front of staff.
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If you’re stepping into a new leadership role, here’s the truth: communication isn’t a "soft skill" add-on; it’s one of the main levers you have.

McKinsey even put it on their new-CEO checklist: item 8 asks, "Have I thought through my communications plan—internal and external?"

Start with what you stand for

In the early days of a new role, it’s normal not to have your full strategy baked yet. (If you do, please share your secret.)

McKinsey’s "Letter to a newly appointed CEO" makes a great point: message consistency matters, and it can be smarter to anchor your communication in what you believe and what you stand for early on.

Those beliefs become the themes people repeat about you, long before they can quote your five-year plan.

Build your communication plan

As someone who’s served seven different CEOs as a communications advisor, one pattern shows up every time: leaders who treat communication as strategic tend to build trust faster.

A practical plan doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should answer:
  • What do people need to hear from you in the first 30–60 days?
  • What are you going to say (and say again)?
  • How will you know it landed?

Partner with your "microphone holder"

If you have a Chief Communications Officer (or a comms lead), make that relationship a priority.

They’re often your best window into what people are thinking, and they help you reach the organization with clarity.

A few ways that help:
  • Share your style (speaker, writer, small-group connector).
  • Be honest about what feels awkward so you don’t over-rely on the one channel you like most.

Choose the right channels

Different organizations trust different communication vehicles, and what worked at your last company may not work here.

Before you default to "Let’s do a video!", take time to learn what channels people actually pay attention to in your new environment.

Remember: every encounter is an event

Every meeting, hallway hello, or quick check-in is "an event" for the people you lead, especially when you’re new.

You don’t need one perfect speech. You need consistent moments.

Communicate. Follow through. Measure. Repeat.

This is the simple discipline that builds credibility:
  • Communicate
  • Follow through
  • Measure what’s working
  • Repeat
]]>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:25:00 -0500<![CDATA[Finding Your Voice]]>https://www.jacquideon.com/blog/post/finding-your-voiceCommunication has two active states: speaking and listening. But speaking isn’t just about the words coming out of your mouth.]]>
A woman talking presenting
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Communication has two active states: speaking and listening.

But speaking isn’t just about the words coming out of your mouth. It’s how you present yourself to your audience, whether that’s one person or thousands.

Your voice shows up everywhere. In presentations. Emails. Meetings. Social media posts. Media interviews. Even in how you write a memo.

Each one is an opportunity to be heard.

Finding Your Voice


Here’s what most people miss: voice isn’t just what you say.

It’s how you say it. The tone you use. The strength of your message. The format you choose. Whether you’re consistent or all over the place.

A lot of my facilitation work focuses on helping leaders find their voice. And yes, it’s something you have to find. It doesn’t just appear one day. 

The process sounds simple. Who are you talking to? What do they already believe? How do they like to receive information? What do you want them to know? What action do you want them to take? How will you know if it worked? 

Simple questions. Complex answers.

That’s where the real work happens.

Why This Matters


Over the years, I’ve worked with people and organizations to help them discover their voice.

Sometimes that means bringing in other experts. A presentation coach. A talented writer. A designer. A speech coach. Each person adds their magic to make sure the message lands.

One of my former bosses once told me, “Thank you for being my voice.” He believed that because I helped him find his voice, he succeeded as an executive. His message got stronger. His impact grew. 

That’s the power of knowing what you want to say and how to say it. 

The question is: have you found yours yet?

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