You're not alone if your business planning for 2021 feels a bit like herding bees – buzzworthy goals, uncertain direction. Here's a 3-step process to increase your persuasiveness and communication power this year.
Once you try this approach to communication, you will use it forever.
It starts with this key word: persuasion.
Persuasion is causing someone to act based on reason or argument.
No matter what our profession, we are all in the business of persuasion.
Here’s how:
NO: Start by identifying the #1 message you want to deliver.
YES: Start by identifying the #1 message your audience wants to hear.
NO: Create the presentation in PowerPoint.
YES: Create a script or outline, focusing on the message. Then add visuals.
NO: Save the best till the end.
YES: Start with what the audience is eager to hear about.
As journalists like to say, DON’T BURY THE LEAD.
Before you begin crafting each presentation, place the acronym BLUF on a card in front of you. It stands for: move the Bottom Line Up Front.
If you start with what the audience is eager to hear about, they will pay attention throughout your presentation. If you start with a slow build toward the good stuff, they will likely check out mentally and start multi-tasking. Some may even get up and leave.
Try this approach just once. And you’ll turn this New Year’s Resolution into a permanent behavior.
If you’d like to learn more about how to incorporate the art of persuasion into your communication style, contact us: Shelley@i-Cue.com or Bailey@i-Cue.com.