ABSTRACT
Strong communication skills are some of the most important qualities a leader can possess (Flauto, 1999). Within the realm of environmental leadership, the role of communication skills is of special importance, as activists wish to provide leadership that will not only inform the general public about ecological dangers, but also attempt to move the public to take action that may involve changes in behavior and personal sacrifi ces. The leader must furthermore be able to signal to the audience that there is an imminent risk to their well-being without causing panic-induced paralysis or apathy (Moser, 2007). In order to avoid audience paralysis in the face of seemingly insurmountable ecological obstacles, communicators must convey the hope that action can be effective, hopefulness being an essential emotion that must be generated by the communicator’s message (Reading, 2004).
