The Most Important Skill for Ocean Impact

The most important skill for ocean impact? Knowing how to use words.

As a programmer uses code to make a computer do something, you can use words to influence people and generate positive change.

The right words make people care about your cause or solution.

In a 2009 TedTalk, marine biologist Sylvia Earle described the ocean as humanity’s “life support system” and referred to marine protected areas as “hope spots”, making an emotional connection with somewhat abstract concepts.

For ocean businesses, this translates into crafting effective copywriting, generating more leads from the right customers. At a more personal and individual level, it means communicating in a way that resonates and inspires action.

Most ocean entrepreneurs and innovators focus on perfecting their solutions while underinvesting in how they communicate them.

Your ideas, products, and services are what make people stay, but your words are what brings them to you in the first place. Average solutions with masterful messaging will always outperform brilliant solutions badly communicated.

In terms of return on investment, learning to use words well could be one of the best decisions you make in the long term.

Failing to communicate your message effectively would be a terrible waste.