E81 – Be Concise

Concise communication is one that effectively conveys the intended message using a minimum of words or information, without sacrificing clarity or essential details.

 It is characterized by brevity, precision, and the ability to deliver the message succinctly, leaving no room for confusion or unnecessary elaboration.

 Concise communication captures the essence of the message, distilling it down to its most vital components, making it easily understandable and digestible for the audience.

Why?

In today’s world brevity wins. Attention spans are shorter than ever.

I actually heard this this week: “ I guess what I’m trying to say is…” I think in this case I knew better what this person was trying to say then they did themselves. 

To make communication more concise, here are five key points to keep in mind:

  1. Identify your main message: Determine the core message or purpose of your communication. Clearly define what you want to convey or achieve, and focus on that central point throughout your communication.
  2. Eliminate unnecessary information: Review your content and remove any irrelevant or redundant details. Stick to essential information that directly supports your main message. This helps to streamline your communication and prevent information overload.
  3. Use clear and concise language: Opt for simple and straightforward language to convey your message. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or convoluted sentences that can confuse your audience. Use shorter sentences and words whenever possible to make your communication more accessible and easier to understand.
  4. Structure your communication: Organize your thoughts and ideas in a logical manner. Use headings, bullet points, or subheadings to break down your communication into digestible sections. This not only helps you stay organized but also assists your audience in grasping the key points more efficiently.
  5. Practice active listening: Communication is a two-way process. When engaging in a conversation or discussion, actively listen to others and be attentive to their responses. By paying attention to their input, you can adjust and tailor your communication, accordingly, ensuring that you address their needs and focus on what’s relevant to them.

We do like the PREP Framework:

  • Point: I believe we should take direction A
  • Reason: We’ve received positive feedback about this approach 
  • Evidence: For instance, our president said he supports it 
  • Point: That’s why I believe direction A is best

Being clear and concise will set you apart as a communicator. The ability to talk to end doesn’t make you a good communicator or even a good friend.

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