In a world where communication is often rushed, misunderstood, or even stressful, it’s easy to feel like your voice falls flat — especially considering how digitally dependent we have become and the prevalence of information overload.
Maryanne O’Brien’s The Elevated Communicator reminds us that communication isn’t just about words—it’s about connection, authenticity, and focus.
Here are five lessons from the book to help you elevate the way you connect with others at work and in life.
1. Own your communication style
Before you can communicate effectively with others, it starts with you. O’Brien helps us identify our dominant communication style, whether expressive, reserved, direct, or harmonious. There’s no “right” way to communicate.
Understanding your natural tendencies isn’t just eye-opening—it’s freeing. It lets you lean into your strengths with confidence and see that the unique way you express yourself is valuable.
Ask your friends, loved ones and mentors for feedback to learn more about how you engage with others.
2. Flex without faking it
Once you know your style, the magic comes in adapting it to connect with others.
O’Brien encourages “flexing”—making small, intentional adjustments so your message lands clearly and builds trust. It’s not about changing who you are; it’s about meeting others where they are and knowing your audience.
Imagine how much more empowered you’ll feel when conversations that used to feel challenging suddenly flow with ease.
3. Well-being is a communication superpower
1 QWWhen we’re stressed, tired, or burnt out, your communication suffers. O’Brien emphasizes that self-care isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Exhaustion creates brain fog and can make the most simple tasks feel insurmountable, let alone carrying a meaningful conversation. It also can trigger depression and increased anxiety, which only place further demand and stress on the body.
Simple practices like mindfulness, restful sleep, or taking moments of gratitude aren’t just good for you—they improve how you show up for others.
Caring for yourself first allows your communication to feel calm, clear, and compassionate.
4. Grow everyday
Becoming a truly elevated communicator isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
O’Brien encourages daily practices: Pausing before responding, reflecting on conversations, and seeking feedback.
These small, consistent actions create big change over time. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to learn, refine, and feel more capable in your ability to connect authentically.
As a side note, having a plan in place before delivering a pitch or having an important conversation with a personal friends can obviously be extremely helpful in achieving your desired outcome.
At the same time, be mindful of sounded excessively scripted. When someone sounds overly rehearsed, it create a disconnect and trust can be lost. The robotism can have the opposite effect and end up pushing people away.
5. Live out loud
Perhaps the most empowering lesson is that purpose isn’t something “out there” to chase—it lives inside you. When you align your words and actions with your values, you communicate with authenticity and impact.
Every conversation becomes a chance to express who you are and the impact you want to make. By connecting with your purpose, you naturally inspire trust, respect, and genuine connection.
Maryanne O’Brien’s The Elevated Communicator isn’t just a guide—it’s an invitation to step into your confidence, trust your voice, and make every conversation more meaningful.
By knowing yourself, flexing thoughtfully, prioritizing well-being, practicing daily, and embracing purpose, you’re not just communicating—you’re elevating how you show up in the world.
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