As Mark Twains’ famous quote points out, “I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one.” Getting to the point is not always as easy as it may seem. Yet in today’s fast-paced 30-second mind-set (and attention span) getting what you want and being taken seriously may depend on it.

So, what’s my point? It is critical today to communicate not only faster but smarter. That “30-second elevator speech” quickly demonstrates that you know your business and you can communicate it effectively. Don’t worry if some of the important facts are left out. People today are very skilled at judging relevancy and making decisions with less information. Besides, if people want more information they will ask for it and be open to more communication. Simply stated, the more succinct the message is, the more successful the messenger – and the communication.

Here are some helpful pointers to keep in mind while you keep it simple:

Know your Audience. Focus on what is meaningful for the person or people you are speaking to. If people don’t hear the benefit for them, they won’t listen to you. Focus on your audiences’ needs and find out what they value. Speak in terms your audience can relate to and influence them with the promise of mutual benefit.

Know the Subject. Could you define your topic or value in a single sentence? It’s harder than it sounds – remember Mark Twain’s letter. Knowing your subject well demonstrates your ability to stand out from other’s who are doing something similar. Articulate exactly what it is that gives you the distinct advantage over your competitors’ – from your audiences’ perspective.  

Organize the Message. Organize the flow of information in a concise and easy process. Start with a strong introduction by identifying your point clearly. Next, state the reason for your point. Give clarifying evidence to support your reason. Clarity is more profound than jargon. Finish with a one-line summary of your message stating an outcome of mutual benefit.

Keep in mind these strategies may be applied to all of your communications. They are very effective when answering questions, and help you achieve the same success when delivering a longer speech. Preparation of your content and delivery will help give you confidence, and more importantly from your audiences’ perspective, get you to the point.

If you need help composing your elevator speech, preparing to give a presentation, or finding the right way to represent yourself or your business - contact The Presentation Pros. 

Debbie Darling - © 2013 – The Presentation Pros™

We live in an age of lifelong learning. Even those who have had a successful career up to this point can’t afford to tread water. Wise business upstarts, as well as more seasoned managers and executives, are willing to move out of their comfort zones – to learn new principles and concepts, experiment with new skills and practice what they learned until it becomes automatic. To maintain a successful career professional athletes know to gain expertise through training, and never, ever stop learning. As Satchel Paige once said, “Never look back; someone might be gainin’ on you.”

Thinking that one “knows it all” and that there is nothing more to learn is the quickest way to get ignored when choice assignments are handed out, or passed over for a promotion.

The following questions and answers can help business people prepare themselves for their next step, regardless of where they are in their career.

Q. What further training is beneficial for improving the chances of being in a leadership role?

A. Formal education is only the beginning. In fact, the skills needed for leadership are often overlooked in the frantic quest for a business degree. Despite years of education, many people entering the workforce today lack the abilities to adapt to a corporate culture. They often lack in the ability to see the big picture, skillfully present themselves and their ideas to others, communicate effectively and diffuse conflict when it occurs. In addition to these skills, they need to know the “how-to’s” of business etiquette and social dining. And, most importantly they need to know how to make decisions that go beyond their own best interest and are of benefit to their organization.

Q. Can additional training really help someone advance?

A. If an individual is committed to lifelong learning and is willing to put in the time and effort, the skills of leadership can be learned and, in time, mastered. No matter what innate abilities people have, they can gain new insights and grow in exciting new ways.

These new skills and insights get employees noticed anew by supervisors, managers and colleagues. The result is that they are reevaluated on the strength of their newfound abilities. This leads to more challenging projects, enhanced visibility and an upward spiral of recognition within the organization.

Q. What about senior executives with time constraints and more unique needs, how can they meet on-going learning goals?

A. Time is a premium for most executives. At the same time, it’s difficult for people at that level to get the feedback they need. In some cases, major failings have been known to damage an otherwise sterling career. In situations like this, personal executive coaches can provide a great service. They can be objective, offer advice/instruction and adapt to the demanding schedule of the executive.

Most employers are very supportive when they discover employees who are willing to put in the time and effort to develop their leadership skills. They know that employees who gain additional knowledge and skills are more highly motivated producers and are more likely to remain with the company. Lifelong learning is a major cornerstone of confidence, one that will help any level business professional build a successful career.

Debbie Darling - © 2013 – The Presentation Pros™