Next level communicators know what you don’t say is just as important as what you do say.
Next level communicators know what you don’t say is just as important as what you do say.
The difference between a good message and a great message is what you leave out. Remember, simplicity is one of your best friends as you grow as a communicator. Be simple, not shallow. Less is always more. Why does this matter? Because the number one trait of an effective communicator is clarity. I know, I know. We want to persuade people. And you’re right. But we can’t persuade confused people. Clarity sets the table for persuasion.
So how do we get there?
When you put a talk together ask yourself, “What is the one thing I want the people to leave with?” Once you figure that out, then it needs to be framed in no more than ten words in a way that is memorable. I did this just the other day when I was giving a message on Revelation chapters 6-7. I don’t know how familiar you are with the bible, but this particular book is the most confusing, so I really felt the need to be clear if my message was going to stick. Here’s my one thing for this message:
Life will get hard. Jesus has conquered. Be faithful.
Nine words. Three truths. Simple. Not shallow. And these three phrases became my three points.
Once you have framed the one thing you want people to take from your message, you now have your north star, your guiding light for the talk. And the question you need to consistently ask as you build the talk is, “Does this ________ (analogy, point, explanation, illustration, etc) tie directly into the main idea of my talk?” If it doesn’t, it has to go. No questions asked. I know it’s a killer illustration, or a great point, or an awesome joke, you may be seen as funny or wise, but you will muddy the waters of your message and introduce a bunch of confusion, diluting the power of your presentation.
Remember:
What’s the one thing you want people to leave with, and frame it in a way that’s memorable using no more than ten words. Repeat this statement often during your talk.
Be disciplined. The rest of your presentation has to point directly to your one thing. If it doesn’t tie directly into it, leave it out.
Never forget the saying, “A mist in the pulpit is a fog in the pew,” meaning if there’s the slightest bit of doubt in our heads as communicators, there will be great confusion with our audience.
Front end feedback. I’m big on this. Don’t wait until after your talk to get feedback, get it on the front end. Write your talk out, give it to some people and ask if it’s clear.
What’s Next:
I’ve started writing content for a masterclass I’ll be shooting this fall to help you get better as a communicator, so stay tuned. And as always, Grace to Overcome, my new book, comes out 8/19.
