As leaders, we spend a lot of time in conversation with others—we talk, interact, and communicate constantly. Sometimes these conversations are with subordinates, sometimes with peers, and sometimes with our own bosses or leaders. This is a simple approach to maximize the efficiency of that communication, allowing us to make the most of our time. Instead of just opening your mouth and speaking, it can be helpful to have a mental framework to organize your thoughts before you begin. This can help us, as leaders, to sound more coherent, be more coherent, and ultimately communicate more effectively.

Here’s a straightforward model that highlights four possible components of a message when you speak. I call this framework “The Spoken Word Pyramid.”

When you speak, do so with conviction. Say what you need to with confidence, so people know you believe in what you’re saying.

Speak with clarity. Avoid unnecessary words that make people sift through too much to get to the point. Be direct, providing clear, meaningful insights, like the “raisins” in rice pudding, instead of the extra filler.

Speak to the consequence of what you’re saying. Explain why it matters and why it’s important for you to convey this message.

Finally, include congratulations when it’s appropriate. Often, our words acknowledge someone’s good work, showing that you recognize and appreciate their efforts.

These four components—conviction, clarity, consequence, and congratulation—form a helpful framework. Ideally, you pick the three most relevant elements for each conversation.

For instance, if you’re addressing a subordinate who’s done a great job, you might say, “I’m really pleased” (conviction) “with the great job you did” (congratulation) “because it had this impact over here” (consequence). They’ll appreciate the acknowledgment and the clarity of your message.

Or, if you need to give constructive feedback to a team member, you might say, “Listen, that was not very good” (conviction). “What you failed to do was this” (clarity), “and the consequence of that was that” (consequence).

Or perhaps you’re congratulating a peer on a big sale. You might say, “You made a big sale” (conviction), “and as a result, the organization will overachieve our targets” (consequence), “which allows everyone to receive their bonus” (congratulation).

By assembling these components in various ways, your messages will be clearer, more effective, and more appreciated by others. This approach helps you become a more effective communicator overall.