How To Be Heard

I used to think that big words would make me sound smart.

I used to think that a long phrase was a trait of a wise man.

At least it felt like that’s what schools, firms, peers and work deemed to be right.

Then I learned that it’s not true.

And that made sense.

I saw that those who lead with class kept it short.

Once, a friend told me that to be a good guide, be brief and be gone.

That’s right.

Less is more.

A fast read gets read.

A short call gets heard.

If you can say it with less, you’ll cut through the noise.

As Richard Lederer said, “ A lot of small words, more than you might think, can meet your needs with a strength, grace, and charm that large words do not have.”

So.

This week you’ll get gobs of news, tips, clues and facts.

This week, you’ll send packs of notes, drafts and lines.

Take a break.

Stop.

Pause.

Look.

Read.

Listen.

Slice.

Dice.

Shrink.

Chop.

Cut.

Trim.

Snip.

Use small words, like those in this post.

They’re all made of one sound.

See now?

It’s a breeze.

It keeps it fresh.

It makes the point.

It will make you heard.