Getting to the point: An exercise

Busy people have little time to read and listen.  You want to get their attention?  Present your best arguments quickly, clearly and concisely.

Here's an exercise that can help.  You will need a large index card, a small index card, and a smaller sheet of paper (such as a 3x3 square).

First, write down everything you want to say on a regular sheet of paper.  Use as many sheets as you'd like.  (If you don't want to write something new, use something already prepared, such as a memo.)

Now write it again, on the larger index card.  Use one side only.  You have less space; think about what's most important.  (No fair writing in a smaller size.)

Now write it again, on the smaller index card.  Use one side only.

On the smallest piece of paper, write down the "key" words or phrases that you most want your audience to remember.

For an added challenge, try to write a headline for what you wrote on the small index card.  A headline is typically is one sentence that presents the key facts of the entire article.  (Check out headlines in your favorite newspaper or news site for inspiration.)

What you prepared on the smaller index card is your "elevator speech."  It may also serve as the executive summary of your memo or report.  On the smallest piece of paper are the key words and concepts that you would want to emphasize in any longer presentation.
   

--Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP

Do you have a professional development tip you would like to share?  Have a question that you would like to see answered here?  Please send it to Leo at vazquezl@rutgers.edu