THE BACK STORY. Some people love to sound impressive: fancy words, dramatic pauses, sweeping gestures. But ask, “What’s your point?” BOOM. Epic fail. They freeze - because they never really thought about it.
Why does this happen?
ALL STYLE, NO SUBSTANCE
She tries to impress - instead of actually saying something.
Scenario:
The Over-the-Top Presenter
Annie gives a speech filled with big words and dramatic gestures.
- She cared more about sounding smart than making sense.
Someone asks, “What’s your main message?” Annie stumbles and repeats jargon - but never answers.
- Before: "In the grand tapestry of organizational synergy - we must embrace the paradigm shift of multifaceted consumer engagement."
- After: "Find better ways to reach customers and stay ahead."
Aha Moment:
“If you can’t say it simply - you don’t understand it well enough.”
- Clarity beats complexity.
LACK OF CLARITY
He piles on words to impress - because he has no clear message.
Scenario:
The Over-Explaining Manager
Jay runs a meeting - but his updates are long and unclear.
- He wasn’t leading. He was just filling space with words.
Someone asks, “So… what do you want us to do?” Jay realizes he never actually gave clear instructions.
- Before: "We must effectively cultivate an ecosystem of collaboration to enhance workflow fluidity and maximize output."
- After: "Work better together to get things done faster."
Aha Moment:
Fancy words don’t mean clear instructions.
- If people don’t understand you - they can’t follow you.
FEAR OF SIMPLICITY
He thinks using simple words is weak - when it’s actually powerful.
Scenario:
The Job Interview Disaster
Matt tries to impress in a job interview by over-complicating everything.
- He thought: big words = intelligence.
- Turns out: big words = confusion.
The interviewer asks, “Why should we hire you?” Matt gives a long, confusing answer.
- Before: "I possess a unique amalgamation of skill sets that render me an optimal candidate for this role’s multifactorial demands."
- After: "I have the skills and experience to do this job well."
Aha Moment:
Sounding smart isn’t the goal - being clear is.
- If your message isn't clear - it’s not smart.
FIX IT FAST
Think first.
- If you can’t say it in one clear sentence - you’re not ready.
Cut the fluff.
- Big words won’t save a lost message.
Be clear.
- Speak to be understood - not just to impress.
If people don’t get it - you didn’t really say anything.
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
What's the bottom line?
- Big words don’t mean big impact.
- Talking more doesn’t mean saying more.
Before you overcomplicate - stop.
- Keep it simple.
- Keep it clear.
- Keep it strong.
The best speakers are the clearest ones.
Remember: If your point isn’t clear - it’s not smart. It’s just noise.
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