Be brief. The fewer words you can use to convey your message, the better. Jerry Seinfeld says, “I spend an hour taking an eight-word sentence and making it five.” That’s because he knows that shorter is funnier. In public speaking, shorter is more memorable and more quotable. I often advise my speech coaching clients, “Edit your speech to a nub.” This might sound drastic, but my friend, author of The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking, Sims Wyeth agrees with me:
Cut! Cut! Cut!
by Sims WyethSpeaking to an audience is like feeding applesauce to a two-year old. The more you try to give them, the more ends up on the floor.
Include in your text and on your slides only that information needed to support your point.
A speech or presentation is complete when there is nothing left to take out.
To watch fast, fun “Tip Clips” on “How to look confident when speaking,” “How to gesture while speaking,” and “How to slow down while speaking,” visit the Sims Wyeth & Co. bookstore.
Sims Wyeth is the president of Sims Wyeth & Co., an executive development firm in Montclair, NJ devoted to the art and science of speaking persuasively.
Thank you Sims!
“Edit out the words that have no meaning. Edit for clarity, specificity, and emotional connection.” – Patricia Fripp
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“It is a much better interactive method to learn than a standard CD or DVD. Almost every day I am viewing and moving though the lessons.”
– David Kline Lovett, Author – Comedy Made Easy
Executive Speech Coach and Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Patricia Fripp works with individuals and companies who realize that powerful, persuasive presentation skills give them a competitive edge.
