This paper examines the use of language as a tool to gain a position of leadership, to improve the caliber of leadership, or to expand the territory of leadership in any situation, and in libraries in particular. The discussion begins with a brief analysis of the process of spoken, written, and nonverbal communication, with an emphasis on nonverbal forms. An overview of the literature of leadership and a review of ways to approach the analysis of leadership are then provided, and the concepts of communication and leadership are related. Applications of the language of leadership in various library situations are then discussed, including interacting with colleagues and patrons and planning. (7 references) (MES)