Say It With Fewer Words

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

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!

Patricia Fripp CSP, CPAE is a San Francisco-based executive speech coach and award-winning professional speaker on Change, Customer Service, Promoting Business, and Communication Skills. She is the author of Get What You Want! and Past-President of the National Speakers Association. [email protected] , 1-800 634 3035 www.fripp.com
                                            ExpertMagazine.com 2001

Send this article to a friend

Reader Feedback

top of page