Pursuing your passion is certainly easier on paper than in reality. And it’s not like this is a novel idea; in fact, it seems every philosopher, statesman, or tycoon has uttered some variation on this ancient axiom. For most people, life somehow gets in the way. There are bills to pay, kids to raise, jobs to do. But for the very few, the lucky few, a true congruence exists between what you do and why you do it. When that happens, passion reveals itself in the work, the outcome, and the people involved.

When we collaborate and teach our client partners about how to communicate effectively, we look first and foremost for this congruence. Often, unfortunately, it doesn’t exist.

Years ago I was working with a CEO of a very large healthcare organization. She was videotaping a message, and it started with the predictable “I’m thrilled to share some exciting news, and it’s truly an honor to work with all of you.”

What was perhaps less predictable was her delivery. If you didn’t speak the language or couldn’t hear her words, you may have thought she was eulogizing a dear friend or delivering word of a catastrophic economic collapse. The words said one thing, but her energy, body language, and facial expressions said something completely different. I yelled “cut;” we stopped rolling and had a conversation.

“Susan, what’s the problem?” I asked. Her response went something like “I’m just not feeling it, this material isn’t mine, and honestly, I don’t believe this stuff.” Sound familiar?

Many people are highly effective, skilled employees who don’t share a deep passion for the work they do and thus the words they say. If this is you, if you sound like the example above, fear not, I’m not going to tell you to fake it ’til you make it. And I’m not going to tell you to quit. What I am going to recommend is to MAKE IT PERSONAL.

All of us have something that truly touches our emotional core. Something, that on those rare occasions, when everything falls in place, just feels amazing. It could be rescuing dogs, coaching your child’s soccer team, taking photos, travel, etc. Whatever that thing is for you, use that in your communication.

Susan played competitive volleyball. A stand out player in college, she continued playing in competitive leagues until a knee injury forced her to stop. She actively mentored younger players, coached during tournaments, and often officiated practice games. This was her thing. This was her escape from the day-to-day; it’s what moved her heart and occupied her thoughts. And it’s exactly what she needed to add to the video.

After a quick exchange, we agreed that she could add a personal story, a parallel from her volleyball days, to the overall message. Neither of us believed a clichéd, trite sports analogy was appropriate, but her deeply personal connection to volleyball got past that.

Stepping under the lights, she moved back into position, and I yelled “action.” With an infectious smile and sparkle in her eye, Susan immediately began telling a story from two decades prior. It was a story of her volleyball team that set an audacious goal and worked incredibly hard to achieve it. She spoke of personal sacrifice, of commitment, and teamwork. Then, no more than 90 seconds into it, she created a parallel to the people and the organization she was running today.

Just like the volleyball team, she was proud of what this team set out to do and the response of the people tasked with doing it. She was beaming, the words were effortlessly flowing, and the passion was obvious and contagious. There would be no more takes; we got what we needed.

When you’re communicating, make it personal! Initially this may seem counterintuitive, but by expressing your inner you, the best outer you will be revealed.

More about the author: Brian Burkhart believes deeply in the inherent power of communication. He’s the founder of Chicago-based SquarePlanet Presentations & Strategy, an adjunct lecturer for Northwestern University’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and is the most sought after TED and Shark Tank presentation guru in the country.

In addition to working with clients that include Transamerica, Red Box, Jim Beam, The Northern Trust, Red Bull, and many more, Brian regularly speaks at conferences and events across the country and will be joining us for this year’s SPN Annual Meeting. He and his wife recently moved to the far better climate of Phoenix, Ariz.