What Makes a Message Matter: The Role of Authenticity in Great Communication →

What Makes a Message Matter: The Role of Authenticity in Great Communication (Featuring reflections on Stephen R. Covey and a journey through two of my books)

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This article also highlights one of my key influences—Stephen R. Covey—whose legacy in leadership and communication continues to guide my work. You can find more about him under “Favorite Authors” on this site.

The original version of this article was tied to my previous book, Mastering the Art of Communication, which was removed from Amazon and Draft2Digital due to content concerns. That experience was disappointing—but ultimately, it pushed me to refine my message. Much of the material was reworked and now lives on, stronger and clearer, in my latest release, The Power of Authentic Communication.

Mastering the Art of Communication is still available through libraries and alternative platforms like Everand, OverDrive, cloudLibrary, Baker & Taylor, Hoopla, Odilo, BorrowBox, and Palace Marketplace.

Why are some speakers, teachers, and authors considered masters of their craft? What turns a well-delivered message into something we recognize as art?

In many cases, it comes down to one essential quality: authenticity.

When communication is both skillful and sincere—when a speaker is not only articulate but also grounded in truth—it transcends the ordinary. The experience becomes memorable, not just for its content but for how it feels. But that raises an important question: Is authenticity alone enough to make a message valuable? Or does its worth depend on how deeply it resonates with the audience’s own beliefs and values?

Authenticity vs. Performance

Over the years, I’ve encountered speakers who appeared polished, rehearsed, and self-assured. Their words matched their brand, their delivery was smooth, but something crucial was missing. Despite the performance, there was no connection.

Why? Because authenticity isn’t just about presentation. It’s about purpose, values, and presence.

I recall sitting near the front row during a talk given by Henry Kissinger around the year 2000. Speaking on the Vietnam War to a room of business professionals, Kissinger, though globally recognized, delivered a message that felt detached—impersonal and transactional. There was no real emotional anchor, no sense of personal conviction or engagement with the audience. It was forgettable—not because of what was said, but because of how it was said.

A Masterclass in Authentic Communication: Stephen R. Covey

That same year, I had a very different experience—one that redefined how I understand communication at its best.

In 1990, I shared the stage with Stephen R. Covey at a church event, shortly after the release of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Before the program began, we spoke briefly. I had heard whispers that Covey in private was different than the public figure—perhaps more reserved or guarded. But the man I met was calm, gracious, and deeply attentive. He was, in a word, authentic.

When it was his turn to speak, he transformed. His energy expanded, his voice carried conviction, and his presence filled the room. Without a single note, he delivered a message that was clear, powerful, and deeply human.

What stood out wasn’t just his eloquence—it was his alignment. Covey knew his audience. He spoke their language, connected with their values, and honored their experiences. His body language was composed yet expressive, like a conductor guiding a symphony. The result was more than effective communication—it was transformational.

Why He Stood Out

Observers often speculated about what made Covey so magnetic—his bald head, simple wardrobe, or spontaneous delivery. But these were surface traits.

His true power came from one core strength: credibility.

Covey believed in what he said. His message wasn’t rehearsed; it was lived. That kind of integrity can’t be manufactured. His work wasn’t about impressing others—it was about serving them.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People continues to inspire millions, from “Be Proactive” to “Sharpen the Saw.” His framework calls us to live with purpose, align our values with our actions, and lead with authenticity.

A Final Reflection

I’ve chosen to keep this article available as a tribute to Stephen R. Covey and a lasting reminder of what authentic communication truly means. Whether in leadership, teaching, or daily life, it’s not just the words we use that matter, but the clarity of intention and sincerity behind them.

Authentic communication has the power to inform, connect, and transform. And when it’s rooted in values and purpose, its impact endures.

These ideas are explored in even greater depth in my latest book, The Power of Authentic Communication—a guide to building trust, listening with intent, and speaking with purpose in a noisy world