Elizabeth II, 70 years as Queen

Learning from her communication style

1-Communication was something she took very seriously. She knew it was a key tool for reaching her people, global leaders and public opinion. That is why, like Margaret Thatcher did later, the Queen worked on transforming her original high-pitched, feminine and somewhat childlike tone of voice into a deeper, more projective tone. She understood that a deeper tone of voice and an upright posture increases the perceived sense of power.

2-Prepared and master of her speeches. She was responsible for conscientiously planning and writing her speeches. She understood the responsibility of a leader to encourage, inspire, reassure and convey certain feelings, and therefore took the initiative at difficult times to connect with her people through televised speeches such as the Gulf War, the death of Princess Diana, the passing of the Queen Mother and Covid. Her speeches were always comforting and optimistic as we saw in April 2020 during the pandemic: "I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country”.

3- Simple and clear language to connect. She always used straightforward and up close language to connect with the emotional side of the public through the use of adjectives, metaphors and symbolism. Queen Elizabeth II maintained a good balance between her figure as a leader and as a human being, often linking herself to her audience and appealing to values and national identity. Her speeches were always charged with emotion and closeness thanks to the open and direct style she used from the beginning, as seen in her first Christmas speech in 1952: "I want to ask you all, whatever your religion may be, to pray for me on that day. To pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may serve him and you all all the days of my life". In her 1992 Christmas address when, after the divorce of three of her children and the fire at Windsor Castle, she called it "Annus Horribilis", she commented: "Like many other families we have experienced difficult days this year. The prayers and sympathy that so many of you have shown us have touched me enormously as so much comes from people who have their own problems".

4- Relevant, entertaining and contemporary. Despite being a queen of great protocol, she understood the importance of being natural and approachable. She knew how to take risky but necessary decisions in order to be modern and relevant. For example, in 1969 she dared to film the documentary The Royal Family, with the aim of humanizing and bringing the Royal family closer to her people by showing private scenes of their daily lives. At the London 2012 Olympics she agreed to be part of the show with Daniel Craig as James Bond, and during her Platinum Jubilee celebration she appeared having tea with Paddington Bear.

5- Committed and visible. She was patron of more than 600 organizations and NGOs, which allowed her to be seen and touched more intimately by her audiences on her numerous annual visits to hospitals, schools, public centers, foundations, etc. She became very skilled at "small talk", adapting to all kinds of contexts and conversations with adults, children, politicians, artists, scientists, always with ease and sense of humor.

6- Taking an interest in others through questions. Many of those who met her agree that what struck them most was how interested she was in them, the questions she asked them and how she listened. Making the person next to you feel important is what great leaders do because it helps them connect, understand and open their minds to the world around them.

7- Conveying optimism and enthusiasm. She was the queen of pastels and cheerful colors. She knew how to use her wardrobe to convey that she was austere but not boring and elegant but not a fashion victim. Her style always conveyed continuity and optimism, something necessary for a nation that changed enormously during her reign.

8. Control of non-verbal language. She used body language in a very controlled manner, letting her words and voice be protagonist. She managed her facial gestures very effectively to emphasize certain words while her hands were seldom used in order not to lose the sense of rigor and balance. She understood that a smile is a very powerful weapon, and used it regularly in a very effective way.

Her trademark: Her sense of humor, as British as she was. Many anecdotes reveal how quick-witted she was. However, as Tony Blair recalls in his memoirs, 'Even if she adopts a close, almost collegial attitude, you can never do the same because she gives you the Look'.