How to speak concisely

Learn how to speak concisely. In this third video from my 'Peek Inside Persuasive Presentations' course series, I explain why brevity is key. For me this is one of the key characteristics of an effective pûblic speaker.

And I want to ensure every word you say carries weight. So I've developed a three-step process – Simplify, Support and Strengthen to help my clients achieve this in their executive presentations.

Here I'm going to share with you the first step: Simplify.

“First, I'd like you to read this 2-minute introduction from a Logistics Director to a prospective client. It’s a real scenario, shared with kind permission, so of course I’ve changed the name to Jan Dupont.

Hearing this as a prospective client, how engaged are you in the first two minutes? Mmh…sort of. 

Do you think YES this is the logistics company I need? Um I’m not so sure. 

So why are you more doubtful over the last two questions? 

Jan’s approach is friendly and structured, but he uses too many words. Brevity grabs our attention and sustains it. We want people to get to the point quickly, we want our time to be respected, plus our attention spans are a little short. So, whoever you are, whatever you’re presenting sharpen your points with fewer words. So that you deliver more powerful messages.

…………By reducing Jan’s words by nearly a half, we've given Jan’s language more clarity and making it much easier for the prospective client to capture the vital information Jan wants to share. You see, Jan wants to create a positive impression and he wants each of his words to carry its own weight.”   

2 more videos in this series will follow with tips from one of my key communication pillars: Voice & Body Language.

If you want to discuss your organisation’s (corporate, NGOs, Associations and Universities) Public speaking or Presentation skills needs, I offer free 30-minute consultations through my site. I’d love to meet you.