Most first impressions are formed within the first 10 seconds of conversation. Most hiring managers will take only 20-40 seconds to screen a resume. Most prospects will tune out a sales presentations in the same amount of time. What is the key to forming that first great impression?

To speak to others is simple: to teach/sell/inform/engage them is extremely difficult. Assuming they have an interest in what you are saying, the key is to focus on your key message: your sharpest point. Strip away the fluff, remove the deadwood that gets in the way, and get rid of the extraneous ideas that distract. If you want the other person to remember one thing – what should it be?

This is true both when you speak and when you write. For example, in the next paragraph, what is the sharpest point?

“There are several factors that contribute to our success, including market leadership, teamwork, pricing, and customer service. The most important issue is teamwork – and how to improve it. During our next sales meeting, we will make this our top agenda item, then we will talk about our new pricing structure, and close with the introduction of several exciting new products.”

If ten people were asked what the purpose of the meeting was to be, how would they answer?  Some might remember about the new products; some may say that it is the “sales meeting”, while others might mention teamwork. And if they did decide to prepare for the meeting, what would they do? There are so many points in this paragraph, that the sharpest point – the need to improve teamwork – becomes blunted.

Sharpen the message by dropping everything that gets in the way. For example:

“When we meet, we will focus on improving teamwork – an important reason for our success.”

Or

“We will meet to focus on what makes us successful: teamwork.”

Or

“We’ll meet about improving our teamwork.”

Or

“We’ll meet about teamwork.”

From 60 words down to 4! The sharper the point, the greater your impact. And with such a focussed communication, people are far more likely to remember it – and act. This is true whether you are trying to sell a concept to your colleagues or a service to a client.

Does this topic resonate? Reach out to Randall: he can present it to your group.  (More presentation topics)
Download Randall’s professional credentials: Speaker credentials one-sheet or Management Advisory credentials.

Content Authenticity Statement: 100% original content: no AI was used in creating this content.

@RandallCraig (Follow me for daily insights)
www.RandallCraig.com: Professional credentials site.