The 7 Deadly Sins of Speaking


The 7 Deadly Sins of Speaking

Avoid these at all cost.

Julian Treasure held the 6th most popular TED Talk of all time, “How to speak so that people want to listen”. Two weeks ago on my podcast ‘Speak Like a CEO’, he shared ‘The 7 Deadly Sins of Speaking’.

I often write about how you can communicate like the top 1% of CEOs. But Julian reminded me that it is equally important to avoid these 7 traits:

#1 Gossip

Spreading unverified information about others is not a great look for a leader. It damages trust and respect.

#2 Judgmentalism

Leaders refrain from being judgy. For our own sake, we should strive to be open-minded and non-judgmental.

#3 Negativity

Focusing on the downsides of everything sucks the energy out of every situation.

#4 Complaining

Instead of dwelling on problems, seek solutions and address issues constructively.

#5 Exaggeration

Exaggerating facts or embellishing stories can erode trust and credibility.

#6 Excuses

Making excuses for one's actions or avoiding responsibility hinders personal growth and teamwork.

#7 Dogmatism

Being dogmatic means holding rigid and inflexible beliefs without considering alternative perspectives.

While I am a positive person and take responsibility for my stuff, I have to admit that avoiding #2 isn’t always easy for me. Upon writing this, I decided to go on a “zero judgment diet” for the next two weeks to break this habit and to grow as a person and leader.

Is there any point on the list that you would like to tackle? If so, why not commit yourself to avoiding it for just one week?


Three Ways I Can Help You

Whenever you are ready, here are three things I can help you achieve so you can communicate like the world's top CEOs:

  1. Speak Like a CEO: Leadership communications with impact
  2. Become Unignorable: The proven way to becoming a thought leader
  3. Build a Message Machine: Turn your company into an agile communications machine

Book your free clarity call for 1:1 coaching with me here​.


Creating an Innovation Society

A society of innovators makes the world a better place. That’s according to David Rhotert, the CEO and founder of Companisto.

Companisto has pioneered digital angel investing at scale. They have already facilitated the investment of over 150 million Euros in startups.

David and his team have achieved this by building a tech company and at the same time establishing one of the largest networks of Angel investors anywhere in the world.

We talk about how they created a community of 150,000, how they managed to get a law changed to make digital angel investing possible, and about his mission to bring about an “innovation society”.

David also shares how as a young guy he built the country’s largest party network, and how anger can be channeled into positive energy.

Listen on Spotify and Apple:


Ten Books to Become a Master Communicator

Rather than highlight just one book this week, I wanted to share something a little more comprehensive – my 10 Best Books to Master Communication Skills (out of hundreds I’ve read).

Whether you're fundraising, looking to get ahead at work, or build deeper personal connections, impactful communication is the must-have skill of 2024. That's why I put together this LinkedIn post outlining my top go-to books on the subject, spanning persuasive speeches to active listening techniques. There are insightful books for extroverts and introverts alike on becoming a truly skilled communicator. Check out the full list here.

Have a great weekend!

Best,

Oliver

Share this newsletter and receive a free book with your first referral!

Who do you know that would also enjoy this newsletter?

Simply copy and send them your unique referral link or use the email function and get free books on mastering communications when they sign up. Your first book unlocks with your very first referral.

Here's your referral link:

[RH_REFLINK GOES HERE]

Email

PS: You have referred [RH_TOTREF GOES HERE] people so far

See when you get your next book

Friedrichstraße 68, 10117 Berlin

Unsubscribe · Preferences

Speak Like a CEO by Oliver Aust: Become a Top 1% Communicator

Join 130,000+ leaders receiving weekly tips via email & social.

Read more from Speak Like a CEO by Oliver Aust: Become a Top 1% Communicator

This week in the world’s #1 newsletter on leadership communication: How to Handle Conflict in Your Team The Trust Expert: Why Clear Communication Isn’t Enough Book Recommendation: The First Minute – How to Start Conversations at Work *** My next Speak Like a CEO cohort begins January 21st. Nine weeks. Ten participants. The communication skills that distinguish elite leaders from everyone else. Details here. *** How to Handle Conflict in Your Team Reviewing 2025, a CEO client of mine asked me:...

This week in the world’s #1 newsletter on leadership communication: Save 100 Hours in 2026 With this 1 Simple Move On the Show: The New Rules of Women at Work Book Recommendation: Why the Best Leaders Are the Most Coachable *** The next Speak Like a CEO cohort begins January 21st. Nine weeks. Ten participants. The communication skills that distinguish top executives from everyone else. Details here. *** Are you wasting hours each week clarifying the same things to your team or colleagues?...

My Top 10 Books of 2025 *** Before we start, I want to share two free webinars I'm hosting in January to help you master communications as a leader in 2026: Presentation Secrets - January 7 at 18:00 CET Confidence on Command - January 14 at 18:00 CET *** If you want to master communications as a leader in 2026, books are a great place to start. And the holidays are the perfect time to kick back with a great book. Out of the 100+ books I read in 2025, here are my top ten picks for you: 1/ My...