Prepare to get your points across!

Have you ever asked yourself: how do I make my point clear?

You write an article, prepare a speech or meeting and jot down your points. What is important? You know your topic and goals so that is the easy part. Now you have a long list or a very short one. You have a limit of time or characters to make your point clear.

Now the real work starts: How do you get your points across in a friendly and clear manner?

Here your preparation plays a huge role. Part of it is the research results and your knowledge. The internet or library helps with the research.

You still have to do some thinking at your part: Which is the best way to combine the important points in your speech, video or article. Which words you use and how you combine them nail down your content or make things worse.

What can help you to decide the best way to compose your message? More knowledge: Who are the persons your readers, listeners and viewers? How can you show them that you understand their needs?

When they know you well they understand what you say confusing or clear. The risk is yours. You stick into a foggy place when you depend on your audience knowing you inside out.

Have you ever listened to speeches or red articles or books carefully? Each speech or article tells you a lot about the intention of the speaker or writer. It tells you about the personality of the author or speaker. What does the speaker or writer tells about the own intention by the words and structure of sentences which are used? What do you find out about the personality of the author or speaker?

Are the sentences long and winding? Are the sentences short and clear? What does the length of the sentences say about the user? What does your preference say about you?

There are some memorable sentences in history. The most memorable and quoted once are short and clear. You easily can come up with several of them. Why? Because you better remember what you understand clearly. Short sentences are easier to remember.

When you have something important to tell or share use short sentences. Short sentences will stick longer with the reader or listener. Short sentences are more intense.

Sometimes it is a fun to figure out the meaning of a long sentence. At least it is a confirmation that you are smart enough to do it.

Be honest when you are listening to a speech or want to know something you prefer it short and clear. You respect the work someone did to turn great knowledge or wisdom in an easily understood form. You have to think through all that important and meaningful thoughts while listening or reading. You have to connect it to your knowledge and experiences. The author or speaker is ahead of you as s/he had done this work.

The pace of speaking and the things the speaker expect from you should be according to your understanding of the topic.

When you deliver a speech you want to be recognised as smart person. How can you achieve that goal? Easily by doing your homework! Thinking things through and finding the right terms and means to deliver the content is your most crucial part.

Have a look at your article or script again after a while. You might want to improve it further before you make it public.

Checklist:

• Are all important points well covered? Check with your list of bullet points.
• Is the language clear? Do you know that your audience know the words you use? Do you have to explain words? Are the sentences clear or do they have a double meaning?
• Do I know the answers of upcoming questions? That is an important part. People that are interested in a topic want to know more. Think and prepare more than you think is important to know. Learn about the details.
• Is my attitude friendly? Have a look at the words are they usually viewed as harsh or offending?
• Are there enough breaks in it? Do you pause at the right points when speaking before a new thought or topic is addressed? Do you have enough paragraphs in your article? Organise the structure in an easy to understand way.

Practise every day using those points frequently. After a while you find it easy and can hone your skills further.

Now enjoy to prepare your next article, video, speech.

Larissa Glueck

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