Last week, I was participating on a call with about 30 people when the host unexpectedly asked me to contribute a thought. I had a basic idea of what I wanted to say…and I took forever to get to it.
I told the group who I was (unnecessary since the host had introduced me), gave some context for what I was going to say, then finally got to the thought. Then I explained it again, editorialized a little, and finally wrapped up. The tip I was sharing was a good one, but it didn’t need all the fanfare.
This was really brought home to me by the next speaker, also surprised by the host’s invitation to share. She spoke briefly, and got right to the point. The chat filled up with “oh, that’s great advice,” and “helpful! Thanks” comments. I learned (again) that my verbal style sometimes buries the important information in flourishes and extra words. I call it the “verbal on-ramp.”
The habit of figuring out what I’m going to say as I’m talking isn’t unique to me. If this may apply to you, too, join me in this challenge: I’m going to ask myself to be concise without being abrupt. Headline the main point, then explain only as much as necessary. My audience, and yours, is listening for what’s relevant to them—let’s make it easy.
