Sealed With A KISS

WHEN telling people your message make sure you deliver it with a KISS. Yes, you may want to add a little love and affection to your audience, although Keeping It Short and Simple is the key here. With me so far? Excellent.

KISS is an easy acronym to remember. And the intimation is clear. Short and sharp is the way forward. The longer and more complex the message, the less likely it is that people will be able to recall it. Think of the politicians and public relations workers. Catchy slogans – short and snappy ones – work for them. And they can work for you too.

You have to communicate effectively, simply and clearly. You only have to ask someone directions in a strange town to know that some people find it difficult to get their point across coherently. So the most crucial step? Brief yourself. Whatever the subject matter and whoever the audience, you won’t gain respect unless you can demonstrate that you know what you are talking about.

Understand your subject – and have the essential facts at your fingertips. Then, know your audience. How aware are they already of the topic? Are they interested in it? Consider how they will react to your address – and that will give you some clues as to how you can deliver your information in the most convincing fashion.

(Based on part of a chapter in The Greatest Management Tips in the World)