In a recent interview I helped to produce with the former England manager Roy Hodgson, one of the last questions was on Harry Kane’s leadership. (The interview was about Kane winning his 100th international cap)

Hodgson is one of the most experienced managers and has also experienced leadership and communication around the world having managed in many European countries at club and international level.

He said these important words which are important when understanding communication and leadership.

Some of the best leaders are not the most vocal people. It’s not the Churchillian speeches that count a lot of the time. It’s the quiet word that is particularly apt and relevant at that moment in time which changes behaviour. Because Churchillian speeches can only make sometimes the Churchillian deliverer satisfied that he has done his job. And it might have no effect whatsoever on the people who are listening.

Certainly the perception of what makes a great communicator has changed over the years on the sports field. But what about the world of politics?

Former President Barack Obama is widely regarded as one of the best communicators in recent years. He recently said “the single most important thing about being an effective communicator is having conviction, believing what you say.”

Communication is normally defined as the transmission of information. But the best communicators know when to communicate. How to communicate. What to communicate and to communicate in an inclusive way.

What is the most important thing about communicating well? What kind of qualities help you to be great at communication? And is it something you can learn? Obama worked hard at his oratory skills after admitting he wasn’t a great speaker at the start of his career.

Being a great communicator can help in many different ways. Like Kane, you could become captain. It can help you get promoted at work. It can make you a great people manager. And like Obama, you can also be the most powerful world leader.