During an effective speaking course, I faced a surprising challenge: I couldn’t stop talking within the 2-minute limit because my thoughts flowed like a mind map, and I felt every idea was essential. I believed I had to share all these thoughts and connect the dots at the end, so being cut short seemed to defeat the purpose. Frustrated, I asked my instructor for advice, and he told me to start with the main idea and only share what truly supports it. That moment was a game-changer. Suddenly, my message became clearer, simpler, and more concise, giving my audience the chance to engage and ask questions where needed.
Today, we’re drowning in information but starving for clarity. In a world of endless meetings, overflowing inboxes, and constant notifications, brevity has become the most valuable communication skill. Smart communicators understand this: they don’t write more to sound impressive; they write less to be understood.
Why brevity matters?
- It respects people’s time.
- It reduces overload, friction, and confusion.
- It builds trust faster.
- It turns passive readers into active listeners.
Whether we’re writing an email, leading a team, or presenting an idea, less is often more.
To get better at keeping it short, we can ask:
- Can this be said in fewer words?
- Will this be easy to act on?
The Practice:
- Start with the point: Don’t build up. Lead with what matters.
- Cut filler words: Words like “actually,” “just,” “I think,” and “in order to” usually add nothing.
- Use structure: Bullets, bold lines, and short paragraphs improve readability.
- Know your audience and edit like you care: Because your audience does.
- Use simple and precise language: Convey your message clearly, concisely, and consistently.
Brevity isn’t about leaving things out, it’s about knowing what’s essential.
As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Smart communication is about being understood, not saying more.
Focus on what matters, speak with intention, and watch your ideas connect and inspire.
