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before. What they relate to and what they don’t. What pace is appropriate? What techniques they
like? What holds their interest? What approaches have they rejected? What level of detail they’ve
asked for from others? How do they provide information to others? (People often deliver as they like
to receive.) Research your audience and tailor your approach.

7. Don’t know where to start? Create a plan and an outline. Plenty of ideas to share, but find it hard
to get started? Whether you are writing or presenting, whether your message is targeted for a large
group or for a one-to-one dialogue, start by planning. Who is your audience? What is the main
message? What is your main objective in communication? To inform? Entertain? Influence?
Motivate? How much time or how many pages will you fill? Once you’ve identified these parameters,
move on to the outline. State your message or purpose in one or two lead sentences. What in the
introduction will grab the reader or the audience? Then outline three to five chunks of your argument
to support your thesis. What are your priority points and how will you explain them? Organize the
detail under the main points. Some points are made better by example, some by the logic of the
argument, some by facts or stories. Check your facts and assertions for accuracy. Finally, how will
you close? Do you want to move others to action? Or inspire them with a final, powerful message? Or
maybe you just want to give them more resources for learning. Use your outline as you actually
create the document or presentation. Change it only when there is a good reason to do so.

8. Messages not flowing? Create a first draft—and then edit. When you write, any sentence that
does not relate to your main message should not be there. When you speak, everything you
communicate needs to keep the audience engaged. Great writers and speakers seem to do this
effortlessly. Their thoughts flow. Their words have rhythm and cadence. Their messages have
immediate impact. You want to be great. But if you aim for perfection the first time, you can get stuck.
Whether you are writing an article or creating a presentation, free up your writing by letting it all flow
before you edit. Don’t worry about grammar or the fine details of PowerPoint until you get your
thoughts out. Get the words down first, then go back to make changes. Set your draft aside for 24
hours and then go back to it. You will see it with fresh eyes and have a better perspective on what
needs to be changed. Read what you’ve written out loud to hear the places you can make changes.
You will find new ways to make your writing or your presentation flow.

Want to learn more? Take a deep dive…

Belena, R. (2010, February 17). Communication tips for avoiding the use of business jargon. Inside
Business 360.

Cohan, P. (2012, December 4). 5 Ways to communicate more clearly. Inc.
Nierenberg, A. (2005, February 17). Adapting to different communication styles. Small Business
Advocate.

9. Lack impact? Amp up your personal power. When you look your best, it makes an impression.
Your posture, choice of wardrobe, and other factors send important signals. Look confident and
approachable. Observe the people around you. Who consistently looks great? Who attracts you so
that you want to work with them? Do they dress formally or informally? On-trend or conservatively?
How about the people above you? What does “dress for success” look like in your organization? Now
do an honest appraisal of yourself and your wardrobe. Toss out anything shabby, ill-fitting, or
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