“Abracadabra – I create as I speak.”

This ancient Aramaic phrase holds more than mystique- it reveals a powerful truth about communication. Every time we speak, we shape our environment. In the workplace, this creation extends beyond our words to how we say them, how we carry ourselves, and whether our message feels real to those receiving it.

Tone, posture, energy, and presence are integral to communication. They can build trust, inspire action, and create connection- or subtly unravel our intentions. Often, it’s not the content of what we say, but the alignment between message and presence that determines how we’re perceived.

As both an ADHD coach and a movement-based leadership expert, I’ve spent years helping people bridge the gap between what they want to express and how they come across. When intention, body language, and words align, communication becomes transformational. And in business, this alignment isn’t just a skill: it’s a leadership superpower.

Communication starts before you speak

Most people assume communication starts with words. But others are already interpreting our message before we say a word.

Our facial expressions, gestures, posture, tone- even how we breathe- broadcast emotional signals. When these signals are aligned with our message, people feel safe, respected, and open to engage. When they’re off, even slightly, something feels wrong, and that disconnect quietly undermines our credibility.

Think of a leader saying, “I’m listening,” while glancing at emails. Or a colleague giving praise with arms folded and eyes distant. The words may sound right, but they don’t land, because the body is telling a different story.

Messages like “I value your input” or “I’ve got your back” must be felt, not just said – and the feeling arises naturally when your body language authentically reflects your purpose.

Alignment builds trust

People don’t just listen to what you say- they feel with every inch of their body, whether you mean it, and the emotional truth is what they respond to. Trust, therefore, isn’t built on words, but on congruence- the alignment of intention, language, and behavior.

In my work with leaders and teams, I’ve seen how quickly trust grows when communication feels embodied. Whether you’re giving feedback, leading change, or managing conflict, congruence is what makes the message stick.

The key is not to “perform” communication techniques, but to ground yourself in why you’re communicating in the first place- and then allow your body language to follow naturally. You can’t fake empathy. But you can have it at the forefront of your mind, feel it, express it, and finally lead with it.

Key signals of aligned, authentic communication

You don’t need to master textbook-perfect body language. You need to let your body reflect what you genuinely mean.

Some simple cues that support authentic, aligned communication include:

• Open posture: Relaxed shoulders, arms uncrossed, facing the other person. This signals presence and approachability.
• Eye contact: Balanced- neither staring nor avoiding. Eye contact shows attentiveness and emotional engagement.
• Natural gestures: Supportive hand movements that match your tone and words.
• Tone of voice: Emotionally in sync with your message, whether calm, enthusiastic, or steady, all depending on context.
• Responsive facial expression: Animated, appropriate to the moment, not flat or disconnected: true to you

These cues only work when they’re real. Don’t try to act them out focus on your why and let your body follow.

Awareness is the first step. With practice, intention and expression become increasingly aligned.

Misalignment undermines impact

When your body and message are out of sync, others pick up on it immediately- even if they can’t explain what’s wrong.

If you say you welcome feedback but seem tense or closed off, people won’t feel safe to speak.

If you express appreciation without warmth or energy, it won’t land as sincere.

If your tone lacks conviction while leading a meeting, your message may be forgotten- regardless of its merit.

This isn’t just a communication problem: it’s a credibility problem. The solution isn’t to fake new body language. It’s to reconnect with your why, get present, and let your body follow that intention.

Active listening is a full-body practice

One of the most potent forms of communication isn’t speaking, it’s ACTIVE listening. And true listening goes beyond the ears.

Embodied listening includes:

• Turning your body fully toward the speaker
• Maintaining soft, steady eye contact
• Relaxing your jaw and shoulders
• Offering natural, affirming gestures (smiling, nodding, subtle responses)

Staying emotionally attuned- not just logically focused- notice how their words land.

When people feel you’re truly with them (mind, body, and heart) they respond with openness and trust. In a fast-paced world of distractions and performative attention, genuine listening is magnetic. And it’s a leadership differentiator.

Positive communication builds empowered teams

The human brain learns through repetition. What we repeatedly hear and experience becomes what we believe, and eventually, what we become. That’s why negative or disconnected communication can be so damaging, especially in training or team development settings.

Conversely, when communication is rooted in presence, empathy, and positivity, it doesn’t just improve team performance: it transforms it.

When people regularly experience:

• Open dialogue, free of judgment
• Inclusive body language and visible attentiveness
• Encouragement and praise that feels authentic, not scripted

…they begin to feel seen, valued, and trusted. They stop waiting to be directed and start taking initiative. They become more resilient, curious, and collaborative.

Empowered teams don’t just follow orders. They co-create solutions. And that mindset shift starts with the leaders who embody authentic communication.

Because people don’t grow when they’re micromanaged. They grow when they’re trusted.

Final thought: Your body is your message

“Abracadabra—I create as I speak.”

Let your whole presence speak for you. When your words, body, and energy align you don’t just transfer information: you inspire trust and possibility. You become clear. Believable. Impactful.

Before your next conversation, meeting, or training session, take a moment to ground yourself with these questions:

What is my true intention for being here? How can my body reflect that intention?

What am I communicating before I even speak?

The most powerful communication tool you have isn’t just your voice- it’s your presence. And when authentic presence leads, the right people follow- not out of pressure but out of alignment.

Let your message be felt. Let your leadership be seen. Let your body say what your heart already knows.

Abracadabra.