We’ve all heard this before, “Chop, chop. Hurry up!” But today, I’ve got a different meaning for you.
“Chop, chop..” as in …CHOP your sentences.
This tip helps clients on so many occasions in our sessions as they rehearse with me. It usually goes like this:
“OK stop right there… Go through slide 4 again. Let’s cut up your sentences, I felt lost in the last half of the slide… too much. I’m not following anymore. We gotta break it up.”
When we do, the difference is stark.
If I were a betting woman, I would bet that…
✔️in your presentations
✔️in your scripts
✔️in your emails
✔️in your shooting-from-the-hip commentary during meetings …
… this happens to you, too. Totally normal!
AND… our sentences are more impactful if they are CHOPPED in half, or CHOPPED up.
Some of the best points are made in 3-4 word sentences. (“Tear down that wall.”)
Thing is, our brains can’t hold on to long sentences. You have heard the sentences ad nauseam, but your audience? They have never heard them before. It’s their first time.
Audiences love short sentences. They love “kitchen table” language. Simple. Short. Sticks in my brain. Easier to remember. Helps me stay with you. Makes you look good.
So go ahead! Grab your red pen and start dropping a period halfway through your sentences.
⭐️This will have considerable impact. Your credibility will go up.
⭐️This is one of the secrets to elevating your executive presence in a quick, simple way.
