AI for PI
Posts
How to Get to the Point and Stop Rambling – A Quick Guide to Clear Communication

How to Get to the Point and Stop Rambling – A Quick Guide to Clear Communication

How do you stay clear and concise?

Jennifer Rist
September 30, 2024

Hey Peak Performance Seekers,

Welcome to this week’s AI for PI (Amplifying Insights for Performance Improvement) Newsletter! 🏆

Ever found yourself halfway through a conversation or email and suddenly thought, “Wait, where am I going with this?”

Have you been listening to someone, and you are thinking in your head, “would you just get to the point already!” 😉

We’ve all been there—rambling on, losing focus, and leaving our listener (or reader) a bit lost in the process.

But here’s the good news: you can stop the rambling and start getting straight to the point.

Let’s talk about it!

So, Why Do We Ramble?

Often, it’s because we’re nervous, unsure of what we want to say, or trying to fill awkward silences. Sometimes, we just have so much to say that we don’t know where to start—or end.

But here’s the thing: clarity is key. Whether you’re in a meeting, giving a presentation, or just chatting with a friend, clear and concise communication not only makes you more effective but also more confident.

I’m guilty of rambling too, and it drives me crazy! But I’ve found 7 habits that have helped me tremendously. Let’s get into them:

1. Know Your Main Point

Before you start talking or writing, take a moment to ask yourself, “What’s the main point I want to get across?”

If you can’t sum it up in one sentence, you’re not ready to speak or hit send. Knowing your main point helps keep you focused and on track.

According to a recent study from Microsoft Corp., people now generally lose concentration after eight seconds, highlighting the effects of an increasingly digitalized lifestyle on the brain - so getting to the point quickly matters more than ever.¹

2. Use the ‘One-Breath’ Rule

Imagine you’re going to explain your point in one breath.

If you can’t do it, you’re probably saying too much. Practice boiling down your message to its essence. The shorter and clearer, the better.

3. Pause and Breathe

Don’t be afraid of a little silence. Pausing gives you time to collect your thoughts and your listener time to absorb what you’ve just said. Plus, it makes you sound more thoughtful and confident.

A study from Yale University found that speakers who pause between sentences are perceived as more confident and in control of their message.²

4. Stick to the Essentials

It’s easy to get caught up in details, but not all of them are necessary. Ask yourself, “Does this detail support my main point, or is it just filler?” If it’s filler, cut it out. Your audience will thank you. As my husband tells me often: “I don’t need to know the play by play.”

5. Practice Active Listening

This might sound counterintuitive, but the better you listen, the more concise you’ll become. By truly understanding what the other person is saying, you can respond more directly and avoid unnecessary explanations.

According to a study by the International Listening Association, only 25% of what we hear is retained.³

By actively listening, you can ensure you respond with clarity and relevance.

6. Get Feedback

Ask a friend or colleague to listen to you explain something and give you feedback.

Did you lose them at any point?

Were you clear?

This kind of feedback is invaluable and can help you improve quickly.

7. End Strong

Once you’ve made your point, resist the urge to keep talking.

End on a strong note, reiterating your main message if needed, and then stop.

Your listener will appreciate the clarity and brevity.

Final Thoughts

Getting to the point isn’t about being abrupt or cutting corners—it’s about respecting your listener’s time and making sure your message is heard loud and clear.

The more you practice, the more natural it will become, and soon enough, you’ll be a master of concise communication.

So next time you’re about to dive into a conversation, email, or presentation,

remember:

focus,

breathe,

and stick to the essentials.

You’ve got this!

Let’s keep the conversation going—how do you stay clear and concise? I’d love to hear your tips!

Cheers!

Jennifer

Three things to ALWAYS remember:

Be CONFIDENT!