Ever been to a meeting where someone, who clearly loves the sound of their own voice, won’t stop interjecting, interrupting and going on and on and on?
They have big ideas to pass on and they want everyone to know about them. Over and over again. And then, when another person tries to get involved, the noisy one starts again, making sure that they are heard by everyone around the table.
Sadly, most of what they’re saying is probably of little or no value. It’s not about content and quality, it’s about making sure they are seen and heard – justifying an over-inflated job title or stoking up a mis-placed sense of importance.
These types of people are wasteful and often valueless. They take over a perfectly useful meeting (which has to be short to be useful) and drown out other people’s thoughts, ideas and goals with their noise. They actually add little or nothing – although you’d struggle to tell them that, seeing as you can’t get a word in. They waste everyone’s time.
And it can be the same with writing. Whether you are creating a pitch, typing a memo, emailing a colleague, contacting a potential customer or penning a report; keeping your writing clear, concise and to the point is a massive bonus for any recipient. And short. They’ll thank you for it.
Creating documents that contain fluff, guff and nonsense, or promise the earth when you know that you can’t deliver, won’t get you anywhere. Nobody likes a brag, especially in companies where modesty is encouraged and welcomed.
So don’t bang on about how wonderful you are, how brilliant your services will be if you’re asked, or how great your huge catalogue of successes is. No-one wants that. They want clear, positive words which can and will be followed up with actions. Promises that can be kept. Work that can be done. And communication that is believable and appreciated.
Clever people watch, take notes and learn. And then quietly and without fuss pass on that knowledge and wisdom through clear communication. The empty vessels (those who make the most noise) boast, brag and crow their way through business, not only in meetings but in their writing too.
Learn how to compose smart, positive and helpful messages – with a professional course if necessary – and you will have people singing your praises.
Rather than listening to you blowing your own trumpet.
To learn more, and to join Business Communication Academy, click here.
Empower yourself and your team