Concise, Compelling Communication Isn’t Easy

The new year has begun with international travel to work with clients in the world of law, life sciences, energy, finance and professional services; and even though January still isn’t over, I’m reminded of a stark reality for professionals everywhere.  It is simply this: concise, compelling communication isn’t easy. Unless we really hone the essential skills which underpin an influential message; it’s a common error to fall into the trap of ‘blah, blah, blah’. What do I mean by that? I mean too much has been said, or the focus isn’t right or the level of detail doesn’t suit the requirements of the audience.

Concise, compelling communication means:

• Rigour on the objective for the message. What do you want achieve specifically by the end of it?
  
  
• Structure is paramount. A 3-part narrative stops the waffle. If we’re not clear on the sections of our message, it’s impossible to organise and convey our message effectively.
  
  
• Grab the audience’s attention at the beginning. The goal is that they ‘lean in and listen’, rather than ‘lean back and check out’.
  
  
• STAR moments. Every engaging message needs these. What are they? Something They’ll Always Remember.
  
  
• Context – why should they care about what you’re saying? Be clear on this early on.
  
  
• Ask – if you’re influencing you’re asking for something. What is it exactly?

Until next time...