It can sometimes be tempting to go too far.

Whether a speech, a presentation, a moment in a meeting…

The spotlight is on you, the floor is yours, so it is time to impress.

Impress yes. Bore? Never.

The danger is always trying too hard. Talking for too long.

Adding too much information into your Powerpoint. Telling too many stories.

We have all been on the receiving end of this haven’t we?

Someone who loves the sound of their own voice. Someone who thinks a keynote speech is suitable when a few quick words will do. Someone who has a ‘Doctorate in Advanced Death by Powerpoint’…

Do not be that person.

A good example is the global phenomenon, the TED Talk. The average length of a TED Talk is 18 minutes. This is proven by neuroscience as long enough for a speaker to flesh out their big idea, but still short enough that an audience can digest and understand all the essential information.

If the world’s top thinkers can do it, so can you by testing your content and answering these questions:

1. Why are you speaking? What are you trying to achieve?

A: Because I want my audience to…[do their jobs better, give to charity, vote for me…]

2. What information does my audience need to do the above?

A: Facts, stories, examples that will persuade them [Put yourself in their shoes…]

3. Does this slide/story/case study/fact or statistic help achieve this?

A: Yes or no…[If no, remove]

4. Is this slide/story/case study/witty aside about my weekend creating a barrier to being understood or a limiting factor to a good performance?

A: Yes or no…[If yes, remove]

5. Does this enhance or detract from the overall argument you are trying to make?

A: Enhance or detract…[If detract, remove]

If in any doubt, get rid.

Challenge yourself with these questions and become lean and focussed in how you communicate.