Say It So They Move:
The Hidden Power of Clear Communication

The Jobsite Lesson I’ll Never Forget

I was twenty-five years old, almost finished with my apprenticeship, when I got my first real assignment on a multi-million-dollar high-rise project.

My foreman barked orders like a drill sergeant with a hangover, and most of us nodded, pretended to understand, and just did our best not to screw up.

One morning, he rattled off what sounded like gibberish about the transformer room, some conduit routing, and a delivery coming in before lunch.

I didn’t ask for clarification—I didn’t want to look stupid. So I grabbed my tools, nodded confidently, and went to work.

Three hours later, I had drilled into a concrete wall I wasn’t supposed to touch, misrouted a couple thousand dollars’ worth of conduit, and blocked access for the delivery team.

My foreman went ballistic. He screamed, "What the hell were you thinking?!"

All I could say was, "I thought that’s what you meant."

His reply? Something I’ll never forget:

That day taught me a lesson that’s followed me from the jobsite to the dojo, into marriage, friendships, and leadership:

Clear communication is not just about what you say—it’s about what they hear.

Say Less. Mean More. Lead Better.

Clear, concise, and compelling communication is the lifeblood of leadership.

It’s not about being articulate for the sake of sounding smart.

It’s about moving people—through clarity, simplicity, and empathy.

1. The Real Goal of Communication

Let’s set the record straight. The purpose of communication isn’t to impress—it’s to transfer understanding.

And ultimately, that understanding should lead to action.

Whether it’s a battle order, a business strategy, or asking someone on a date—if your words don’t result in clarity and motion, they’ve failed.

Leadership is the art of influence. And influence begins with being understood.

That means:

• Speaking with intention
• Listening actively
• Eliminating ambiguity
• Tailoring your words to your audience

But it also means resisting the temptation to hide behind jargon, motivational fluff, or overly complex explanations.

2. Why Most Communication Fails

Communication breaks down in two places:

1. The sender overestimates how clearly they’re speaking
2. The receiver hears something different than what was intended

This happens when:

• Ego makes us want to sound smart instead of be clear
• Fear stops us from being direct
• We assume shared definitions that don’t exist
• We forget to check for understanding

Clarity requires courage.

It means being willing to pause and ask, "Does this make sense?" or "Can you repeat this back to me so I know we’re aligned?"

In Hapkido, if I say "defend against a wrist grab" but don’t explain how, I’m assuming you know the steps. That assumption gets you tossed.

Same with life. Vague advice, unclear direction, passive leadership? It leads to broken trust, wasted time, and unmet expectations.

3. The Power of Word Choice

Words are tools. The wrong tool creates a mess. The right tool builds connection.

Simple, vivid language sticks. Complicated, abstract language drifts.

Compare:

• "You need to adopt a more synergistic operational paradigm."
• vs.
• "We need you to work better with the other team."

Which one is going to get through?

The first might sound smarter, but the second actually works. That’s the point.

When you're communicating as a leader:

• Choose verbs that imply action.
• Use analogies when needed—but keep them tight.
• Avoid qualifiers like "maybe," "kind of," "hopefully."
• Say what you mean and mean what you say.

4. The Empathy Edge

Communication isn’t one-way. It’s a dance.

True leaders understand their audience—not just their message. That’s why the same truth has to be told differently depending on who’s hearing it.

You don’t talk to a white belt the same way you talk to a black belt. You don’t lead your girlfriend like you lead your coworkers.

Empathy isn’t softness. It’s strength. It’s your ability to feel out the best way to speak so the message lands. Sometimes that means slowing down. Sometimes it means getting blunt. But it always means reading the room.

5. Say It So They Move

The ultimate litmus test for clear communication is: Did they act on it?

If not, something in your delivery didn’t land. And that’s not just on them—it’s on you.

Want to be a better leader? Want to build a tribe? Want to earn loyalty, trust, and respect? Then master the art of:

• Saying less
• Meaning more
• Making your words unforgettable

Be the kind of communicator who people say, “When he speaks, I get it. I feel it. I want to move.”

Putting It On the Mat:
Speak So They Can Fight, Live, and Win

Years later, I found myself standing in front of a room full of Hapkido students teaching a class on joint locks and takedowns.

I remembered that day on the job site.

And I remembered all the times I thought I was clear but wasn’t.

All the times I gave vague instructions or rushed through explanations, and my students got confused—or worse, injured.

So this time, I slowed down.

"Here’s what I want you to do," I said.

Then I demonstrated. Slowly.

Then I broke it down again. Repeated it. Had them repeat it back to me.

And you know what? They got it.

By the end of the seminar, they were flowing through techniques like seasoned martial artists. Not because I’m some prodigy. But because I finally understood something vital:

Leadership isn’t about barking orders. Or sounding like a TED Talk. Or dropping clever quotes.

Leadership is being willing to pause, connect, and translate your message into something they can feel and do.

So here’s your challenge:

This week, choose one area of your life where communication isn’t flowing. Could be work. Could be your relationship. Could be your own inner dialogue.

Ask yourself:

• Am I saying what I mean?
• Am I being clear, or just clever?
• Am I prioritizing connection, or protecting my ego?

Then simplify. Clarify.

Say it again—but this time, say it so they move.

That’s leadership. That’s influence. That’s the Way of the Warrior.

Now it’s your turn.

If this hit home for you, reply to this email with your biggest communication struggle.

I read every one.

Let’s sharpen your blade together.

Stay strong, Chuck