Editors note: This blog was originally published in 2019 and has been updated in August 2021 with additional resources.
“The single biggest problem in communication, is the illusion that is has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw
Why is it so difficult to communicate today? Technology, deadlines, customer demands, internal demands, the fast pace of business, and the list goes on.
HR Magazine reports in a survey that of 4,000 employees, 46 percent said they routinely received confusing or unclear directions, with 36 percent of these employees reporting it happening up to three times each day. Participants in the study estimated they wasted about 40 minutes of productivity each day trying to interpret unclear or confusing directions.
Effective communication is a key driver for achieving business results and employee engagement. You can make a difference with clear, concise, and focused messages that engage your audiences.
One of our most popular programs is Be Bright. Be Brief. Be Gone.TM Clients repeatedly say this program brings significant value to their team and has a strong impact on participants. Many have said it’s a game-changer in their career, marking a turning point to leadership opportunities.
This program is focused on crafting a communication—how to put together a clear, organized, and focused message that can help move your audience toward a goal. Our companion program Speak Up & Be EffectiveTM focuses on the delivery of that honed message. Be Bright. Be Brief. Be Gone.™ is especially relevant today, as it’s easy for leaders to over-complicate communication. We need to practice taking something complex and making it simple, so that our audience knows exactly what they need to do.
Be Bright.
Because of the fast-paced nature of business and competing priorities, it is critical that we put together the right information that appeals to the audience’s motivation. We must communicate what’s in it for them and craft our content accordingly. “If you would persuade,” said Benjamin Franklin, “you must appeal to interest rather than intellect.”
Be Brief.
We need to keep our messages concise, organized, and on topic. A focused message is always more impactful to your audience. Many of us have had the experience of being asked to present for 10 minutes at a meeting, but in actuality we are only given 3 minutes to present. This does not mean that we give our 10-minute presentation at a very fast pace. We need to have a few key talking points and be flexible with our messages.
Be Gone.
If we are Bright and Brief, we can deliver our message within the allotted time and delight our audiences. Keeping your message concise and staying within your speaking parameters is key to an impactful message.
Resources to learn more:
- Be Bright. Be Brief. Be Gone.™ is a 2.5 hour in-house program that guides participants in crafting messages that are clear, concise, and focused. Learn how to influence others while gaining confidence and comfort through your communications. Contact us today to bring this program to your organization.
- Leadership Presence from the Harvard Business Review “Emotional Intelligence” series. This book explains how to build the charisma, confidence, and decisiveness that top leaders project.
- Persuasive Presentations by Nancy Duarte. Terrified of speaking in front of a group? Or simply looking to polish your skills? No matter where you are on the spectrum, this guide will give you the confidence and the tools you need to get results.
- Glamour and the Geek: Communication Tips by Mikki Williams and Dave Nelson. Easily digestible, quick speaking tips for digital and in-person communications.
Lead to the Max!®