Stop talking before people stop listening.

Less is more.  I think this is a very interesting analogy….

I saw a comment on Linkedin that really got me thinking - “Stop talking, before people stop listening”.  Perhaps because yesterday I stood up to talk in front of a crowd of people.  My biggest fear, whenever I speak to an audience, is always this – Is what I have to say, even of interest to these people?  I worry about how I will fill a 20 minute slot with relevant information. When you think about it though, Less really is more.  People can only retain a certain amount of information, even if it’s facts.  “Stop talking before people stop listening".  Surely this should apply to everything we say…and even write!

• Sales pitches / strategy meetings

• Advice to employees

• Emails.  I am definitely a culprit here!  I have to read an email 300 times before I send it.   WARNING:  What you actually want to say may get lost in all the white noise of how you are saying it.

• Conversations with colleagues or friends – hence why hybrid working is actually not a bad thing in many work environments! 

• Interviews – This is a HUGE one in my line of work.  I often get feedback from client’s saying, “They talked too much” or “They went off on a tangent”.  This often comes down to nerves.  I get it.  I have done it!  However, the person on the receiving end is not always that empathetic.  Rambling could cost you your dream job.   

• Advice to your kids – To be fair, my kids switch off the minute I call their name – not sure how much simpler you can make this one!  In fact, this applies with spouses too!

Not to contradict myself, because I do believe that everyone has something of value to say / contribute. Often however, we just take too long to say it.

“stop talking before people stop listening” – this is one for the pin board!