What good is the greatest mid-conversation lecture or public speech if the message isn’t absorbent?
Generally, a listener can sincerely take away and integrate only a portion of what is being said, especially if it is lengthy. A key component to delivering a succinct message, with staying power, is internal clarity on the ‘why’ & the exact ‘what’ of the message. Dedicating time to clarifying these components will convert your short term impact to long term results.
Let’s explore ways in which we can more effectively deliver our messages:
Practical Approaches
Trim the Fat
Before speaking, mentally review your ideas and remove anything unnecessary to the main takeaways. Challenge yourself to convey the same message with fewer words while retaining clarity.
The 5-Second Rule
Give yourself a strict time limit for speaking when responding to questions or providing input. The constraint will encourage brevity and prevent over-explanation.
The Power of Three
When presenting ideas, limit each key point to three concise elements. This not only aids memorability but also prevents unnecessary details that may dilute your message.
Pause for Impact
Embrace strategic pauses during your speech. This allows your audience to absorb information and gives you a moment to choose your words carefully, promoting efficiency and impact.
Storyboard Your Points
Visualize your ideas like a storyboard. This mental exercise encourages you to focus on the most critical aspects, helping you articulate your message with greater efficiency. Drafting other styles of outlines may also be beneficial in similar ways.
When was the last time you remembered the entirety of a really great speech? If it was really great, even then, we often only recall snippets as memorable scenes in our personal movie.
“Less is more” is a cliché for good reason, and when the ‘less’ is purposeful & well thought out, it can go even further.
Do you have comments, ideas, questions, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]
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