Say It With Fewer Words

You've got a great, major presentation, and suddenly you're asked if you can get your message across in five minutes! Don't panic. For today's television generation, sound bites can be more powerful than lengthy dissertations. Here's how to compress your speech without losing impact.

1. Don't apologize or mention that you usually have much more time. Be confident that you can communicate in five minutes.

2. Begin fast. Start with a an attention-getting statement such as, "Your job won't exist five years from now," or "In the next 5 minutes I want to convince you the best action you can take is..."

3. Use a strongly visual story. Illustrate your points -- how it is now, how it will or could be -- with a story so vivid that the audience can "see" it.

4. Divide your 5 minutes into three parts. Present a problem, a payoff, and your point of view: "The number one piece of advice I can give you today is...," your story illustrates your idea and your walk away line could be what will happen if they do what you suggest!

ARTICLE TAGLINE FOR PATRICIA FRIPP, CSP, CPAE

Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE is a San Francisco-based executive speech coach, sales trainer, and professional speaker on Change, Customer Service, Promoting Business, and Communication Skills. She is the author of Get What You Want!, Make It, SoYou Don't Have to Fake It!, and Past-President of the National Speakers Association. Meetings and Conventions Magazine named Fripp "one of the country's most electrifying speakers!" PFripp@Fripp.com, (800) 634-3035, http://www.fripp.com

We offer this article on a nonexclusive basis. You may reprint or repost this material as long as Patricia Fripp's name and contact information is included. PFripp@fripp.com, 1-800 634 3035, http://www.fripp.com

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