Do you beat around the bush? Do people tell you “cut to the chase?”
Let’s explearn how to get to the point!
One of the most common communication issues I see a cross gender and across industries is the inability to get to a point.
Whether it's persuading an audience, selling a product, pitching an idea, sharing information... you have to have a punchline. You need to be answering the question SO WHAT!
If you cannot get to the point, this is what will happen:
- Your audience will lose interest
- You’ll get interrupted
- You’ll get sidetracked and off-topic
So, let’s not phase out our audience and bore them to pieces.
Here are 3 frameworks to help you get to the point effortlessly, authentically, and gracefully.
(1) SFI
Statement, Fact, Insight.
Provide one statement or comment. Keep it simple. One will suffice. Follow this up with a fact. Use numbers, stats, descriptive language, quotations, whatever you need to back up your statement. Then, drive home your point with an insight. This insight should be authentic, original, and 100% you. Meaning, you should shed light upon the statement by providing your own opinion or understanding. This can be a novel and revelatory concept or your ability to connect the dots using data points.
(2) what - now- then
In this framework, “what, now, then” we add a temporal element to the concept. First, describe the situation. This will help you frame your point. Then verbalize how the situation or issue is affecting the participants now – in real time. Now that the listeners understand the situation and why it’s important to address now, you can close your point by covering next steps. “Then” highlights the proposed action you deem necessary to resolve the issue. So to recap, what’s the situation, how it is affecting us now, and what are the next steps to solve this matter.
(3) know thyself, know thy audience
The third framework you can use to get to your point calls for some introspection and an understanding about your audience. Know your communication style and remain true to yourself. Meaning, don’t communicate in a fake and phony way just to appease the people you are speaking with. However, you should be mindful as to who your audience is so that you can align the message to their interests and worldview. By doing so, you help them understand the point and they feel more invested in the cause. In a nutshell, keep your communication style authentic, while still being mindful of who you’re speaking to.
Happy Explearning 🐝
About the Author and the Explearning Academy:
Meet Mary Daphne, the founder of the Explearning Academy. She specializes in helping professionals build strong communication habits, refine their executive presence, and achieve personal growth. The Explearning Academy is designed for those looking to boost their social fluency, advance their careers, and confidently navigate any social setting. Through a flexible blend of self-study materials and supportive monthly live coaching, participants develop sought-after social skills and find pathways to significant career advancement. Ready to elevate your negotiation prowess and network with driven individuals? Head over to academy.explearning.co to see how. Become part of the Explearning Academy community and start transforming your potential into reality.
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