"Don't bore us, get to the chorus"

Ever feel like your brilliant ideas get lost in a sea of emails and meetings?

Yep, I've been there, done that (and learned a valuable lesson).

Flashback time:

I had this killer presentation for a group of senior honchos, and I poured my heart into a pre-read email the day before.

Every detail, every nuance – it was a masterpiece (or so I thought!).

Hitting send, I practically expected a standing ovation the next day.

Fast forward:

Meeting time.

I walk into a room full of confused faces, a million questions, and zero sign of the quick approval (or applause) I'd envisioned.

Turns out, my epic email had become an epic nap-inducer.

It was long-winded and buried the important stuff.

Ouch.

But hey, that's when one of the senior leaders gave me the best communication advice I have ever received and still use today:

"Don't bore us, get to the chorus."

In other words, be clear and concise.

I like to think of it like explaining my new favourite video game to a non-gamer.

I don't use a bunch of gaming terms and ramble on forever.

I keep it simple and to the point.

I get to the chorus.

So, how I get to the chorus?

Easy!

Before I jump into a meeting or hit send on an email, I ask myself these two communication-changing questions:

Q1: What's my main point?

Have I got to the good stuff FAST!?

Ditch the unnecessary details and focus on the key message I want to land.

Nobody wants a novel.

Q2: Can someone with zero knowledge understand me?

If not, jargon red flag!

I also avoid confusing terms and speak in plain English (think 5th-grade level).

Everyone will thank you (including your future self trying to decipher your notes).

Remember, "Don't bore us, get to the chorus"

Often less is more and when you can "get to the chorus" you grab attention, avoid confusion and get your message to land like a rockstar (with a mental standing ovation).

You've GOT this ??