Contact me at www.BobGalletta.com/call
KISS, an acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid, is a design principle noted by the US Navy in 1960. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore, simplicity should be a key goal in design, and unnecessary complexity should be avoided. The phrase has been associated with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson. The term “KISS principle” was in popular use by 1970. Variations on the phrase include: “Keep it simple, silly”, “keep it short and simple”, “keep it simple and straightforward”, “keep it small and simple”, “keep it simple, soldier”, “keep it simple, sailor”, or “keep it sweet and simple”.
One of my biggest pet peeves in communication—especially business communication—is unnecessary complexity. To be fair, we are not speaking of technical issues; we are referring to emails, presentations, and other content that aims to connect with peers, partners, and potential clients. Consider the words you use on business materials—are they needlessly complicated to try to impress? Do you agonize that your messaging will be ill-received if it doesn’t contain buzzwords? Instead, we suggest maximizing the power of your words by simplifying them.
Yes, it’s tempting to be witty in your latest marketing campaign, but if it leaves your audience scratching their heads, you’re in trouble. To avoid confusing people, always aim for clarity. When you’re clear, everything becomes easier. People understand you, what you offer, your value, what differentiates you, how you can help them, and how they can assist you. Clarity helps others know. like and trust you.
Every industry has its acronyms and buzzwords, but when you’re trying to communicate with those outside your expert circle, and use that type of language, you’ll risk alienating the very people with whom you’re hoping to connect. Remember this golden rule of communication: it’s not about you. Far too often, we assume that everyone communicates the same way we do, forgetting that our intended audiences may not live and breathe in our business world. Swap jargon for plain language to increase your odds of your message being received—and understood.
Have you ever received a multi-page email and decided it was too long to read? Or maybe you’ve been victim to a presentation that droned on and on and never quite understood what the speaker wanted to say? Mark Twain famously said, “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter” —a reference to how much harder brevity is than length. Meandering signals that you’re unorganized and unsure. Worse, you’ll lose your audience’s attention—and the opportunity to connect.
In our Fundamental Transformation and Motivational Journey, we show you that when you want to deliver a message, think concise and compelling. Be intentional about your communication, eliminate extraneous material, and get to the point.
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Contact me at www.BobGalletta.com/call
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