“Authenticity” does not mean “oversharing”

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Leaders and spokespeople are often given the advice to be “authentic”, but what does that actually mean?

Without guidance, some leaders mistake authenticity for oversharing: saying too much, speculating under pressure, or explaining themselves into trouble. That doesn’t build trust—it weakens it. Coached authenticity looks different.

It helps leaders:
🔵Communicate honestly without disclosing what shouldn’t be shared
🔵Show humanity while maintaining authority
🔵Express uncertainty without creating risk
🔵Align tone, message, and responsibility in public moments

Authenticity in communication is a skill, and like any skill, it needs coaching. This matters because employees, customers, and the media don’t judge companies by intent – they judge them by how leaders communicate under scrutiny.

When leaders aren’t coached, authenticity becomes inconsistent, risky, and reactive. When they are, it becomes a reliable trust signal. That’s why organizations that care about reputation, culture, and credibility invest in coaching leaders not just to speak – but to communicate authentically, with great structure and good judgment.

Three red flags you're not ready for that news interview or big presentation

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Common issues ahead of important communication opportunities:  1. You don’t have a clear key message If someone asks you: “What’s the one thing you want listeners to remember?” and you can’t answer in 15-30 seconds, you’re not ready. 2. You’ve memorized talking points, but can’t explain them naturally If you’re focused on memorizing scripts and key phrases, you’re more likely to struggle if you forget or get taken off track. You need the confidence to trust yourself in the conversation. 3. You don’t have a strategy for responding to tough questions If you’re planning to wing it, that’s a problem. You need to anticipate the tough questions and practice bridging to your key message – naturally and authentically. Strategy and structure are key building blocks of confidence going into any important communication opportunity. You must know the point you want to get across, know how to keep on track, and have the confidence to respond authentically in the moment.
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By Michael Melling • June 22, 2026
Signs you should be investing in training and coaching before there’s a problem:  1. Your leaders are becoming more visible If leaders are starting to do more interviews, podcasts, team town halls, or conference appearances, the stakes increase. A media trainer can help them communicate clearly, stay on message, and handle difficult questions effectively. 2. You're entering a high-stakes moment Product launches, mergers, major announcements, regulatory scrutiny, crises, layoffs, or rapid growth often attract media and internal attention. It's easier to prepare before the spotlight arrives than to learn under pressure. 3. Interviews and communication opportunities aren't producing the results you want If leaders ramble, get quoted out of context, struggle with tough questions, or fail to communicate key messages, outside coaching can identify blind spots and support leaders in becoming better communicators. In hiring a media and key message trainer, many organizations wait until there's a problem. The strongest communicators often receive training before they need it, so they're prepared when a major opportunity—or challenge—appears. Communication training is leadership training.