Three ways to create a sense of urgency when you communicate

Carey Nieuwhof Sept. 13, 2025

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Adobe

So you want people to listen when you speak? Who doesn't?

One of the reasons effective leaders get a response when they communicate is because they establish a sense of urgency.

If there's no sense that people need information now, most people won't listen.

So how do you create urgency? It's not that difficult. Effective leaders communicate what's at stake if people don't listen and fail to respond.

So how do you do that without saying "listen to me" "this is important" or any of the other phrases that make us tune out or run in other direction.

Here are three strategies you can use to communicate with a sense of urgency.

#1 Establish why the time to act is now.

If the time isn't now, don't communicate. But if it is, you'll have some reasons. Write them down. Think about why this is the moment to act. An opportunity is here now that won't be here next month. We've been waiting for this moment for a long time. There has never been a better time to do this. This can make possible what only yesterday was just a dream. Once you get a sense of that, you are ready to move to the next step.

#2 Explain what happens when you act.

This is your opportunity to paint a picture of a better future. Point out critical benefits that will happen to people and the organization as a result of the change. That shouldn't be difficult, because it's probably what motivated you to want the change in the first place. Just ensure that you make clear and exciting to others what is already clear and exciting to you.

#3 Describe what happens when you don't act.

This is as important as the other two strategies. Don't neglect it. Point out what happens if you miss this window.

As a leader, you can see what's coming. Point it out. In the same way you want to show people how life will be better when you make the change, point out what you'll miss and how things will be worse off if you miss it. Don't exaggerate or be overdramatic, but honestly point out what's at stake if you don't act now. Reasonable people will respect that and take it into consideration as they make their decision.

Using these three strategies can help you bring a sense of urgency to almost any conversation. And when you are motivating people to change, a sense of urgency is critical.

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church. He’s the author of several best-selling books, including, Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects But Everyone Experiences. Carey speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change and personal growth. Learn More »

• Walking in swing (by Christopher Beth)
• Want an “A” team? Start with your “B” players (by Christian Muntean)
• Why people don't respond when you talk to them (by Carey Nieuwhof)
• How to combine passion and discipline for leadership impact (by Scott Cochrane)

Free eBook

Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry

Have you ever felt the pull to full-time ministry work as a missionary or pastor? If not, you can still make a Kingdom impact without quitting your current job. In this eBook, you will learn the four essentials that can change your perspective of work, your workplace, and most importantly, your heart.

Download Now