
“Uniform platform of excellence.”
This was literally the phrase
an executive uttered
as he was working on his presentation.
Me: “What does that mean?”
Him: “Everyone from the new hire
to our CEO will go through this training.”
Me: “Say that.”
I call this The Bar Test.
Ask yourself,
“What would I say in a bar
(or at a barbeque)
if I was speaking
about this situation?”
Within the realm
of what is appropriate,
why not use that language
when you talk to your audience,
clients, prospects and team?
Too much jargon and corporate speak
make presenters sound phony or insecure.
“Execute on strategy.”
“Capitalize on strategic corporate opportunity.”
We’ve heard these types of phrases
so often that they
go through our heads
like sand through a sieve.
Look for ways to
bring your messages to life.
Choose surprising,
image-rich words that
“dimensionalize” your ideas.
Give details.
Use potent verbs.
Study the language masters:
great poets, comedians, songwriters, and speakers.
Risk Forward & Rock On,
