Don’t overwhelm your viewers.
The speech
A few years in the past, a multinational IT firm invited me to a full-day occasion that they have been internet hosting in Lausanne, Switzerland. The keynote speaker was the Head of the corporate’s Europe, Center East and Africa division. His subject was new initiatives on which the corporate was working.
I used to be launched to the speaker within the morning (earlier than his keynote) and he requested me if I’d give him some suggestions afterwards. A positive signal of a progress mindset!
In fact, I used to be joyful to oblige and when the time got here for the keynote, I settled into my seat, wanting ahead to his speak. It was to be ~half-hour.
He was a wonderful speaker: participating, fluid, pure. Heaps to love.
He started by speaking about the very first thing the corporate was engaged on. Simply as I used to be getting , he switched to the second factor. I mentally shifted gears and simply as I used to be getting within the second factor, he switched to No. 3. Then, in fast succession, got here No. 4, then No. 5, then No. 6, then … In the long run, he coated 14 issues!
It was overwhelming.
The suggestions
Once I met him afterwards, I informed him all the issues that I favored, after which I stated, “Look, my greatest piece of recommendation is that this: Subsequent time, don’t cowl 14 issues as a result of, to be sincere, I can’t keep in mind any of them. Subsequent time, simply decide 3 issues and go into the main points.”
I’ll always remember his response.
He pounded his fist into his hand and stated, “Dammit! I knew it! I informed Headquarters that we have been making an attempt to do an excessive amount of, however they informed me to speak about all the things.”
Even individuals on the high of the ladder get strain to speak about all the things. It’s virtually all the time the mistaken resolution.
Had the speaker stated, “We’re engaged on 14 thrilling new initiatives and immediately, I wish to inform you about 3 of them.” … and had the viewers left remembering these 3 issues however understanding that there have been others … the speaker would have accomplished his job and accomplished it nicely.
If there are numerous elements to your subject, don’t cowl all the things. As a substitute, decide what’s most vital and give attention to that. If there may be extra that your viewers must know, put together a handout or inform them the place they’ll discover further data.
Much less is extra. Don’t overwhelm your viewers, dammit!
