1 Thought:

I recall watching a Ted Talk some years ago where the focus was on communication. They discussed a catchy way to remember the high level art of capturing the recipient of your emails attention, making the intention of your conversation clear, and ultimately getting to the point early in the conversation.

I recall a boss of mine, who was the President of our division and I was his EVP, about 15 years ago stop me mid story to teach me something. Not sure he knew he was teaching me but it did have an impact and created some self awareness surrounding my communication style.

This boss of mine basically described an open ended triangle like “>” stating that the wide, and open end is where all the details and color exist and I always started there. This boss of mine, who in many ways was similar to me, had no attention span for the details (just like me) and simply wanted me to start with the point “<“. Details could follow if there was a reason to keep discussing.

I always blamed my possibly unnecessary details, and colorful description on my sales background, where I’ve always felt I added value in painting the picture and holding the verbal paint brush.

Learning what I did that day, and focusing on it, I found this TED Talk of extreme interest years later as it reiterated what I have been using as a template for the 15 years post conversation with my boss.

So here is what I learned, and has been a help to me:

T.opic

I.ntent

P.urpose

Whether an email, or verbal communication start with the topic. What is it we are about to talk about, and be specific.

The topic needs to be followed by the intent of the communication. What is the desired takeaway for the reader or the person or group listening to you?

Lastly, what is the purpose of your communication. Now that the listener, or reader, has this information what are the desired next steps you want them to take with them, and act on?

My old boss, who actively follows me now, would have loved it if I had learned this process far earlier. Sadly he had to listen to years of color commentary and details long before I finally got to the point.

That said I now use this T.I.P template rather naturally when preparing any communication. I suggest you keep T.I.P. near your computer and review your emails, etc before sending, and see if they touch on the 3 primary elements of a successful communication before adding all the details and ultimately clicking send.

PRO Tip:

If your communication is in any way, shape, or form time sensitive or you need to create a sense of urgency then just after the purpose add a “consequence”. For example, “the reason I wanted to get this information in your hands right now is that I feel if we don’t jump on this opportunity now that our competitors will”, or “acting before the end of this month locks us into better pricing on these needed parts at a savings of over 15%”. Of course make it specific to your industry, and use consequences carefully and sparingly as you never want to close a door should the recipient not respond within your timeline and you still can extend the original offer, honesty prevents the potential loss of credibility.

Get to the point!

1 Quote:

“Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communications skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.”

– Jim Rohn

American author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker

1 Question:

Is what you have to say important enough to take the time to slow it down and evaluate the quality of your messaging? Use the T.I.P. overlay until it becomes second nature and expect results.

__________________________________________________________________________

P.S. If you like what you are getting from this blog it would be appreciated if you shared it with other like minded individuals. The more people that subscribe, the better the comments, and better we all become from that feedback. Appreciate the support!

www.afew-things.com

FYI…reminder when you subscribe that for your privacy protection you must go to the email you entered and click confirm.