The 5 Essential Principles of Executive English
The Foundation Every Latin American Professional Needs
Why These 5 Principles Matter
You're technically competent. You know your industry. But when you're on a call with a Fortune 500 client, something changes. You hesitate. You over-explain. You defer to email instead of answering in real-time. These 5 principles give you the foundational framework to transform your executive English—starting today.
The 5 Essential Principles
Clarity Over Complexity
Executive English isn't about using big words—it's about being understood instantly. The most senior leaders use simple, direct language.
Wrong:
"We need to leverage our synergistic capabilities to optimize the deliverables."
Right:
"We need to work together to improve results."
Why it matters:
Simple language signals confidence. Complex language signals insecurity.
Action Item:
Review your last 5 emails. Replace any word over 3 syllables with a simpler alternative.
Brevity Signals Confidence
Senior executives speak in 2-3 sentences. Junior professionals over-explain. Train yourself to make your point and stop.
Wrong:
"So basically, what I'm trying to say is that, you know, we should probably consider maybe looking at the possibility of exploring other options."
Right:
"I recommend we explore other options. Here's why."
Why it matters:
Padding phrases signal uncertainty. Direct statements signal authority.
Action Item:
In your next meeting, challenge yourself to answer questions in under 30 seconds.
Structure Creates Understanding
Always signal where you're going before you go there. Use frameworks like 'I have three points' or 'Let me give you context, then my recommendation.'
Wrong:
"Well, there's the budget issue, and also timeline, and we should probably talk about resources too, and scope might be a problem..."
Right:
"We have three concerns: budget, timeline, and scope. Let me walk through each."
Why it matters:
Structure helps your listener follow your thinking. Rambling creates confusion.
Action Item:
Before your next explanation, pause and ask: 'What's my structure?'
Specificity Builds Credibility
Vague statements make you forgettable. Specific details make you memorable and trustworthy.
Wrong:
"We've helped a lot of companies improve their results."
Right:
"We helped Terramar Brands close 3 enterprise deals worth $540K in 8 weeks."
Why it matters:
Numbers and names create credibility. Generalities create doubt.
Action Item:
Add one specific number or name to your next client conversation.
Silence Is a Power Tool
The urge to fill silence is strong—resist it. Pausing after a point gives it weight. Pausing after a question gives you time to think.
Wrong:
"So, um, what do you think? I mean, does that make sense? Should I explain more?"
Right:
"That's my recommendation. [Pause] What questions do you have?"
Why it matters:
Silence signals that you've said something worth considering. Rushing signals anxiety.
Action Item:
Practice pausing for 2 full seconds after making an important point.
Robert Cushman
I help Latin American tech professionals communicate with executive-level confidence so they can close bigger contracts, command premium rates, and advance their international careers.
After coaching 200+ professionals from Smarttie, Grupo Kopar, Terramar Brands, and Sourceability, I know that what separates good from great in high-pressure meetings isn't vocabulary—it's leadership communication.