How to Build a Stronger Message [Part 2 of 4]

Happy Sunday!

We’re continuing our four-part series of lessons from Signal Strength, which comes out on October 13.

Last week, we started with Part One: Tune In.

We looked at the internal work that helps you focus, understand yourself, manage your self-talk, build better habits, and prepare yourself before you communicate.

Here’s where we’re headed:

1. Tune In (Sep 20, here)
2. Build The Signal (Today)
3. Broadcast With Impact (Oct 4)
4. Strengthen The Reach (Oct 11)

This week, we’re covering Part Two, Build the Signal: Great communication is built, not improvised.

Once you’ve tuned in, you need to decide what you’re going to say and how you’re going to build the message.

That’s where most professionals struggle.

They have good ideas, but they don’t give those ideas enough structure. They start before they know where the message needs to go.

Good news is this week I’ve handpicked five lessons to help you.

Let’s roll…

⚙️ BUILD THE SIGNAL

The five…

1. Message Construction: Build in Layers

A strong message doesn’t appear fully formed. You build it in layers, starting with the central idea and then add the supporting information, examples, and language that help people understand it.

Problem: Most professionals try to create everything at once. They organize, explain, edit, and polish before the message has a clear shape.

Tip: Build in layers. Start with the main point. Add the supporting ideas. Add examples and details. Then remove anything the audience doesn’t need.

2. Time Clocks: Leave Some Things Undone

A time clock is a schedule for building a message over several days or weeks. It breaks the work into distinct goals, so each sweep has time to do its job.

Problem: When you try to build a message in one sitting, you rush through the process and miss the clarity, examples, emotion, audience perspective, and polish that make it strong.

Tip: Create a clock that fits the message. For a weekly update, outline on Monday, draft on Tuesday, and clarify it Wednesday before sending it. For a presentation, use one week to outline, one to draft, one to refine, and one to rehearse. Keep the message moving, but leave enough time for your mind to improve it.

3. Message Architecture: Structure Matters

Message architecture is the structure that holds your ideas together. It helps people understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what they should do next. The right structure depends on the message and the outcome you want.

Problem: Professionals often gather useful information without giving it a clear frame. They may explain the background, share several details, and offer a recommendation, but the audience has to figure out how everything connects.

Tip: Choose a framework that fits the message. If you’re giving your boss a status report, use CAR: Context, Action, Result. Explain what was happening, what you did, and what changed. If you need your boss to act, use What → So What → Now What: Here’s what’s going on. Here’s why you care. Here’s what I need you to do. The framework gives your ideas order and your audience a clear path to follow.

4. Signal Sentence: Capture Attention Early

Attention is most expensive at the beginning. Your opening sentence sends an immediate signal about whether the message is worth someone’s time.

Problem: Professionals waste the opening with unnecessary setup. By the time they reach the point, the audience may already be gone.

Tip: Use a signal sentence to open your message. It’s one complete thought that tells the listener what’s important and what they’re about to hear. For example: “We’re two weeks behind schedule, but I have a plan to get us back on track.”

5. Brevity: Say More by Saying Less

Brevity isn’t about saying less because you have less to say. It’s about removing what gets in the way of what matters.

Problem: Professionals include every detail, repeat themselves, and explain more than the audience needs. The message gets longer while the meaning gets weaker.

Tip: Give people the point, the information that supports it, and what they need to do next. Then cut anything that doesn’t help them understand or act.

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🎙️ FREE SIGNAL STRENGTH RESOURCES AVAILABLE NOW!

I’ve created a host of wonderful aids related to the book.

All of these are out and available now and growing as we speak!

Signal Strength: The Communication Podcast + Workbook Companions

Signal Strength: The Communication Podcast gives you more lessons from the book. Season one, with six episodes is out. Every lesson comes with a detailed workbook, which includes summary notes, key thoughts, and action items. You can listen to it on any platform.

👉 Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Music.

👉 Get all six companion workbooks here.

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When you preorder Signal Strength hardcover, you’ll receive more than $400 in communication bonuses, including lessons on skill-building, developing self-awareness, overcoming imposter syndrome, and crafting compelling messages.

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Then send your receipt to support@milewalk.com so we can send you the bonuses.

Signal Communication Booster Videos

I’ve also created Signal Communication Boosters, bite-sized video lessons that take less than 45 seconds to watch. Each one gives you a quick way to strengthen the way you communicate. Note: These are coming out daily through the release of the book, so stop by frequently to keep up.

👉 Watch the Signal Communication Boosters on YouTube.