Less Words are more Effective
A college professor tells his class, " You have an 18 page paper worth 40 percent of your grade". Why is the quantity so arbitrary placing the student in the position of digging up meaningless stuff on order not to be penalized. On the side of development, students learn that that quantity takes priority over quality. When entering the work force, they discover their boss wants the project idea on one page.
As a student and corporate trainer in communication and presentation skills, I find we also lack conciseness in our verbal language. This essay will examine our use of slang, why we use it and possible alternatives to be more effective:
- "Needless to say". If what we are sharing is needless to say, why are we sharing it? The words imply we are wasting words and the time of the listener. Suggestion: Avoid the challenge of being in an "air time" culture and practice silence.
- "Today I am going to talk to you about"...In the 25 years I have taught presentation skills, I've heard this opening statement hundreds of times. Isn't the topic stated on the meeting agenda? Suggested alternative: My topic is Project Gemini and here is mt agenda. On the nest slide, start with the end in mind by stating the desired outcomes and purpose. The first 30 seconds creates the interest or the lack thereof.
- "To be perfectly honest." First of all, how can honesty be half perfect? Also, don't the words imply that at times we are not? In leadership as well as presentation, integrity and honesty are the ticket to credibility.
- "Ok"? Examples: "Let's iron out the gaps in the budget, okay"? Mother in a supermarket with her child, "I'll give you some candy". These kind of statements imply the need for approval. When the authoritative approach is utilized, the word is left out of communications.
- "You know". Suggested tip when presenting: You look better on the outside then you feel on the inside. As as audience participant, we frequently cannot detect nerves. One way we can is when the speaker uses the slang "you know" as a filler to the power of silence. The road to a dynamic presentation is non nonstop talking.
Here are a few more slang terms to consider avoiding: "It goes without saying", "As well you know", "I must admit". Overall suggestion: Less words are more effective!
