Tired of Rambling When You Talk….Keep Reading

If you’ve ever left a meeting or a conversation saying to yourself, What did I just say? What was I thinking? Why did I keep talking?

Don’t worry it happens to a lot of people. It’s not uncommon, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

If you ever struggle to be clear, direct and have what you say flow nicely this is a post you want to read.

Usually, what my clients say to me is something like this: “I started talking, and then I kept talking, and then I lost my point and where I was, and then I didn’t know what to do so I kept talking and didn’t know how to stop. Then it just went downhill from there.”

Whenever this happens you jeopardize your credibility, your message, and your reputation.

Here are some tips to help you rein in your rambling.

1. Slow Your Pace
I often teach my clients that they must be intentional about slowing down their pace when they speak. It allows your listeners to absorb and retain what you are saying. An individual with a hearing impairment should be able to read your lips.

2. Power Pause
I always teach my clients that the “pause is on your side”. The next time you’re worried about rambling in a conversation or meeting, pause. Pause before you start to speak pauses if you feel yourself speeding up, pause to gather your thoughts. Learn to intentionally use a pause, it will help you to increase your impact as a speaker.

3. Front Load
Front loading is a communication strategy where you deliver your core message right from the get go, get people’s attention and then just deliver content to support your core message. It simplifies things, helps you to stay focused and spells out what your listener needs to hear immediately.

Use the tips to slow your roll and increase your impact when you speak.

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—Karen Donaldson