Consider your approach to writing and speaking.
Now consider those who receive your communication. If you polled them, how would they rate:
I’m willing to wager that your ratings are embarrassingly low.
I’ve discovered that we all need to work on a key communication skill:
Whether you’re writing or speaking, when is enough enough?
The gift of gab: It’s too-often a curse.
Elegant descriptive prose. Why?
If you want respect as a leader, raise your ratings by becoming a more precise communicator. Be more aware of when you should STOP. Be it typing or talking. Make your point and stop.
The Power of Saying More with Lessby the Co Founders of Axion and _Politico Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen & Roy Schwartz
I am unwavering in my belief that:
And a believer that less is more.
I recently read Smart Brevity. I discovered my own lack of awareness of knowing when to stop—and discovered that the overuse of words is an unrecognized form of miscommunication.
So I’m an evangelist. Smart Brevity has my highest recommendation.
In 1871, Mark Twain wrote to a friend…
Now its 2024. We have keyboards, word processing, voice recognition and AI. Brevity is even more of a challenge.
Here’s a list of common destructive mindsets. What hits home for you?
OK, not so brief a list. I’m a work in progress.
Professional Resume Writers know that Job Resumes are rarely read. Even when resumes are viewed by humans, they’re scanned more often than they’re read. Hiring decision-makers don’t want to spend time examining the words.
Quick Reality Check
Who do you know that wakes up in the morning hoping they can get more long email messages?
If resumes aren’t really read, allow me to ask:
How are the readers of your Emails any different than those viewing resumes?
When you’re writing email messages, how much empathy do have for the reader?
Are you packing your presentations with an excessive number of overloaded slides. How much empathy and respect does that demonstrate to your audience? How much do you really expect them to remember?
To lead by example, I hereby pledge to apply Smart Brevity principles to the writing on this site. You can expect to experience concise, insightful content that values both your time and your leadership development needs. You can choose to scan or “Go Deeper” as your time and interest level.
I encourage you to:
The world will be a better place as we develop.
If you’re inclined, this 15 minute Ted Talk Video from Smart Brevity Co-Auther Jim VanderHei allows you to Go Deeper.
If you’re inclined, this 15 minute Ted Talk Video from Smart Brevity Co-Auther Jim VanderHei allows you to Go Deeper.
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Tom Lemanski helps accomplished leaders unlock potential, solve complex challenges, and amplify their impact.
Effective leadership is the key to driving meaningful, lasting success in a fast-changing world.
Tom’s focus on innovative strategies and self-awareness creates transformative results for leaders striving for the next level.
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