In his book, Everyone Communicates Few Connect, John Maxwell writes about five principles in connecting with others, and five practices one can use in establishing that connection. Today, I am going to continue my discussion on one of those topics: the practice of keeping it simple. Or, AKA – The Art of Simplicity.
The second observation in keeping communication simple is: Get to the point.
A woman getting ready to leave a doctor’s office gave the physician a quizzical glance. “Is something the matter?” asked the doctor. “I’m not sure, ” answered the woman. “I arrived 5 minutes early for my appointment. You took me right away. You spent a lot of time with me. I understood every word of your instructions. I can even read your prescription. Are you a real doctor?”
In his book, Everyone Communicates Few Connect, John Maxwell writes: In certain situations, you don’t expect others to be clear, concise and quick. In others you do. Anytime you’re getting ready to hear someone speak, it if takes him a long time to get to the point, you know you’re in trouble.”
Winston Churchill once said about a colleague: He is one of those orators who, before he gets up, does not know what he is going to say; when he is speaking, does not know what he is saying; and when he has sat down, doesn’t know what he has said.”
We’ve all experienced this. Either we wanted the other person to get to the point, or we’ve been asked to get to the point. All good communicators get to the point before their listeners start asking “what’s the point.”?? If a person needs to ask you this, then you have lost them, and they may not really hear your message.
Whenever you prepare to communicate with others there are two good questions to ask yourself. Both of these are taken from the book mentioned above. The first question is: “What do I want them to know?” and “What to I want them to do?” John Maxwell states that if you have a clear answer for both of these questions, “then you will be much more likely to stay on track, get to the point, and connect with your listeners.”
“I never go straight to the point if I can go the most difficult way. Why be simple when you can be complicated?” Kristin Scott Thomas (Actress)
What about you? Are you someone who can easily get to the point when talking with individuals or a group? Or do you struggle to do that? Or, are there other tips you can provide? Your comments are welcomed. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.