If you had more time to do anything, what do you do with that time? What a great question to ponder. However, pondering and pontificating are the opposite ends of the spectrum that I am pointing at. Lincoln’s most remarkable speech given was his Gettysburg address. It was a total of 272 words. Lincoln gave this speech after a 2-hour oration by the former Secretary of State Edward Everett.
After the speech, Everett wrote Lincoln a letter, in which he writes, “I should be glad, if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes."
I have written on this subject a few times in the past. Use the KISS method; don’t say in blah, blah, what you can say in blah. Respect others’ time, and don’t use unnecessary words or actions. These are all great lessons to learn, and one that I want to emphasize today. Many people have been given credit for this quote, but it goes like this:
“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.”
When you set out to communicate, the goal is not to fill time. The objective is to transfer knowledge, motivation, a certain point, or something of substance to the other person. Loading a page with unnecessary words pays little respect to the audience.
Please keep it simple, short, and specific. Use concise and precise thoughts and phrases to make your point.
Then stop.
If you want to improve your communication skills, contact us for a free 30-minute consultation. Find out how we work at the Kole Performance Group. It is hard work today, but it will lead you to a better tomorrow in a shorter amount of time.
You are always sharing great wisdom Mike
Blessings