3 Communication Truths I Wish I Knew at 25
These aren’t tips. They’re turning points.
Tuesday - 7/01/2025 - By River Crane | Between the Lines
When I was 25, I thought good communication meant sounding smart, fast-thinking, and always having the right thing to say.
Now, I see it differently.
The most powerful communicators aren’t the ones who speak the most—or the loudest.
They’re the ones who know why they’re speaking, and who have enough self-awareness to choose how they speak.
Over the past decade of growth—both personal and professional—I’ve discovered 3 communication truths that changed everything about the way I connect with others… and with myself.
These aren’t another hack.
They’re internal shifts.
And they’re the foundation of how I now write, coach, and connect.
Let’s dive in.
1. Speaking well isn’t about sounding smart.
At 25, I believed communication was performance.
If I spoke fast, I’d sound competent.
If I used big words, I’d seem more intelligent.
If I have more to say, I’d prove I have more to offer.
I used to react by rushing. Over-explained. Repeated myself. Over speak.
And behind all that noise?
-Insecurity.
I wasn’t speaking to connect—I was speaking to prove, and to be approved.
Now? I respond differently.
I learned to ask better questions. I learned to gather useful information. I learned to make more informed decisions.
I realize that silence doesn’t mean incompetent—it means I am listening, processing, and choosing my response with intention.
It means growth in character and skills.
A skill to see the invisible and to read between the lines.
👉 When I stopped rushing, I started observing.
My attention became more focused, my expression became more authentic, and conversations became more meaningful.
Challenge for you:
When you feel the urge to prove yourself and start rushing, slow down.
Compose yourself.
Ask a thoughtful question and observe what unfolds.
You’ll be surprised how much clarity arises in observation.
2. Language doesn’t just describe emotion—it creates it.
We often think language is neutral.
But the words we use shape the way we feel, more than we know.
I used to say:
“I should have spoken up.”
These phrases sound harmless. But they carry pressure, guilt, comparison, and powerlessness.
Now, I say this:
“I choose to finish this.”
The words are small.
But the energetic shift is massive.
👉 Your language is not just a reflection of your mindset. It is your mindset.
If you want to feel more grounded, more empowered, and more intentional, start by noticing the words you say to yourself.
Challenge for you:
Replace every “I should” with “I choose” today.
Replace every "I must" with "I could" today.
Watch what changes—not just in your language, but in your energy.
3. Clear communication begins with a clear mind.
You can’t speak with clarity when your thoughts are confused.
You can’t respond with confidence when your inner dialogue is in chaos.
I used to prep for conversations by scripting my words and overthinking every detail.
Now, I prep by getting clear on my intention.
What am I really trying to say?
When your mind is organized, your words become clear and purposeful.
And when your why is clear, your how becomes easier.
👉 Clear communication doesn’t start in your mouth. It starts in your mind.
Challenge for you:
Before responding in a meeting, writing an email, or giving feedback, ask:
“What do I really want to express here—and why does it matter?”
You don’t need more words.
You need the right ones.
And that clarity always begins inside.
Final Reflection
The best communicators aren’t the ones who speak the most or fastest.
They’re the most clear, specific, and intentional with their word choices.
They pause instead of rushing.
They choose words that support—not discourage—themselves.
They take the time to understand what they truly want to express.
At 25, I thought I needed to be impressive with extra words.
More than a decade later, I know I can impress with fewer words.
That’s the difference.
Because that’s real growth, from within.
💬 Which of these three truths resonated with you the most?
Drop a comment—or reflect privately. Your insight is the first step toward more grounded, empowered communication.
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