The Magic Of A 1-Word Response
If you ask me, a great speaker is one that can turn something complicated into something simple.
Whether you’re explaining something at work, or speaking on a stage – a long-winded response can leave people – confused. 😳
The things that stick in people’s minds are responses that are:
>> CATCHY
In the Tech and Cyber Sec industry, this is even more important. Because let’s face it, what’s being covered can be quite technical or complex in nature.
So, I want to share an approach that can help you distil things down. The good news is, it’s ridiculously simple!!
I first came across this technique in action back in late 2022.
I was at an in-person Conference and I was listening to a panel on The Power of Data.
People were responding to questions and sharing their deep experience.
But the problem was, I was getting a bit lost in all the detail. 😬
Until, one of the panelists responded to a question (about the relationship between Data and Enterprise Risk) differently.
She responded with a >>> 1-word point.
She said:
“It all comes down to – CURIOSITY”
Then she went on to explain what she meant.
“The people inputting data need to be curious and conscious about how the data they’re inputting will be used.”
As soon as she made her comment, I thought to myself –
“Thank-you!!”
Because it was so easy to follow and understand.
It’s also still stuck in my mind nearly 2 years later. Whilst the other responses went in one ear and out the other, even in the moment.
Powerful right!?
So, when I can, I try to boil a response down to a 1-Word point.
It can work well for questions like:
“What’s your view on xyz?” “What do you think it all comes down to?” etc
In fact, I liked this so much that I now use it with clients in my Discovery Calls and in my Powerful Presenter Group Sessions.
I ask them to boil down how they present now vs how they want to present into 1-Word for each.
It helps me to cut through the noise and understand what’s really important to them!
IN SUMMARY
Next time you’re explaining something, don’t simply share the detail.
Remember the power of a ONE (or two) word response.
It’s powerful and will make your message STICK far more.
Q – Have you ever tried this approach!?
Emily
P.S. Doors to my 10-Week Powerful Presenter Program close at midnight this Sunday (or earlier if all 3 remaining spots get taken). If you’d like in on the action, check it out here.
Emily Edgeley is a Public Speaking & Storytelling Coach for the Tech industry. Since 2017 (after leaving a 10+ yr career in Cyber Sec & Tech), she’s run over 280 group coaching sessions, coached more than 250 people privately, and formally supported (first time and experienced) speakers at 10 Conferences, covering 1000+ people across the globe.
She’s on a mission to help anyone in the Tech arena learn how to speak with clarity, impact, and confidence, whether that’s at work or at a Conference. So they can share their ideas, build their brand and get more of what they want.
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