How to Articulate What You Do So People Instantly Get It

(From the series: From Unknown to UnMistakable)

There’s a specific kind of frustration mission-driven leaders carry.

You know your work is meaningful.
You know it changes lives.
You know you’re good at what you do.

And yet—when someone asks, “So… what do you do?”
Your explanation feels longer than it should.
Heavier than it needs to be.
And somehow… it still doesn’t land.

Let me say this plainly:

You’re not unclear because you lack intelligence.
You’re not confusing because you lack depth.
And you’re not struggling because your work is too complex.

You’re struggling because clarity has an order—and most people were never taught it.

Why This Episode Matters Right Now

We are living in a moment where attention is short, trust is fragile, and people are overwhelmed with information.

In that environment, being impressive doesn’t help you.
Being understood does.

Mission-driven voices often believe their explanation needs to include everything—the purpose, the nuance, the philosophy, the process. But when you try to say everything, people walk away remembering nothing.

This episode exists to fix that.

Not by watering down your message.
Not by making you sound generic.
But by giving your depth a structure people can actually follow.

And because clarity isn’t just a mindset—it’s a skill—you’ll want the companion guide that goes with this series:

👉 The Clarity Kit — a practical tool to help you articulate your message with confidence and consistency.

HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE

1️⃣ If People Don’t Get It Quickly, They Won’t Remember It Later

This is hard for thoughtful leaders to accept—but it’s true.

If someone can’t understand what you do in a few seconds, they won’t remember it in a few days. And if they can’t remember it, they can’t refer you, recommend you, or recognize when they need you.

Clarity is not about dumbing things down.
It’s about honoring how the human brain works.

Understanding comes before admiration.

2️⃣ Most Explanations Fail Because They’re Backwards

Many mission-driven leaders start with purpose or passion first.

But clarity works best in this order:

Who you help → the problem they face → the outcome you provide → why it matters

When you lead with relevance instead of philosophy, people lean in instead of zoning out.

Depth lands when it’s earned—not when it’s front-loaded.

3️⃣ Clarity Is Proven When Others Can Repeat Your Message

Here’s the ultimate test:

Can someone explain what you do without you in the room?

If they struggle, hesitate, or add disclaimers—it’s not a branding issue. It’s a clarity issue.

Inside the episode, I walk you through a simple framework and a 30-second test you can use immediately to tighten your message and make it unmistakable.

And the Clarity Kit gives you the prompts and exercises to turn that insight into something you can use every day.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

🌿 Download The Clarity Kit (Free)
Your companion guide for the entire 7-part From Unknown to UnMistakable series. Clarify your message, eliminate confusion, and articulate your work with confidence.

🎙 Listen to Episode 4: How to Articulate What You Do So People Instantly Get It
Perfect for leaders who are tired of over-explaining and ready to be understood.

📬 Subscribe to The Well-Spoken Digest
Weekly insights on clarity, communication, and becoming a trusted, compelling leader. The newly refined edition drops Tuesday.