leadership development

29 Jan Do You Struggle to Get to the Point? Try the HEC Strategy!

Ever been asked to “get to the point” and found yourself scrambling? If so, you might be an inductive thinker—someone who starts with smaller details and builds toward the bigger picture. While this approach feels natural for many, it can waste time and frustrate deductive thinkers, who prefer starting with the conclusion.

Enter the HEC strategy: Headline-Example-Comment. This simple framework helps you speak clearly and efficiently in 20 seconds or less.

1. Headline

Start with your main point or the most attention-grabbing idea.

Example: “Hey Paul, having an official agenda could make our meetings shorter and more productive.”

2. Example

Follow up with a specific detail that supports your headline.

Example: “For instance, if I know something I care about is coming up on the agenda, I can stay focused and avoid interrupting with questions that’ll be addressed later.”

3. Comment

Wrap up with your opinion or a suggested action.

Example: “Let’s try sending an agenda out a couple of hours before our next meeting. I’m happy to help create it if that’ll make things easier.”

By using HEC, you’ll communicate more effectively, saving time and earning the respect of your deductive-thinking peers.

 

21 Jan The Magic of the Metaphor to Simplify Complex Information

When explaining complicated, technical concepts during a presentation, metaphors can be a powerful way to ensure your audience understands the material. By comparing a complex idea to something familiar, you make the information more relatable and easier to grasp.

Take the concept of cloud computing, for example. Instead of delving into the technical intricacies, you could compare it to a bustling airport terminal. Just as passengers board different flights to reach various destinations, data in cloud computing hops onto different servers to get processed, stored, and delivered where it’s needed. This metaphor transforms an abstract concept into a vivid image, allowing the audience to visualize how data moves and operates in the cloud.

Why Are Metaphors Effective?

Metaphors are effective because they align with how our brains naturally process information. Cognitive linguist George Lakoff explains that metaphors are not just decorative language—they’re central to how we understand the world. By connecting new ideas with familiar experiences, metaphors help create mental images that simplify complex information and make it more memorable.

Research backs up the power of metaphors. A study published in the Journal of Cognitive Science found that people exposed to metaphors were more likely to understand and retain information than those given literal explanations.* Incorporating metaphors into your presentations can make even the most technical topics more accessible and engaging. By transforming abstract concepts into relatable stories, you can ensure that your audience leaves with a clear and lasting understanding of the ideas you’re sharing.

*Research on the effectiveness of metaphors in aiding comprehension and retention is well-documented. One frequently cited work is:

• Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago Press.

For more specific studies, you might look into cognitive psychology research on metaphor usage, such as:

• Thibodeau, P. H., & Boroditsky, L. (2011). Metaphors we think with: The role of metaphor in reasoning. PloS One, 6(2), e16782.

 

15 Jan From Jargon to Clarity

In technical fields, your expertise is invaluable—but when sharing complex information with non-technical listeners, the goal isn’t to showcase your depth of knowledge. Instead, focus on helping them understand and trust what you’re saying.

As a communication coach with 30 years of experience, my advice is simple: “It’s not about you.” Your listeners need clarity, not complexity. Tailoring your message to how they want to receive it fosters understanding and builds trust. Here are three tips to simplify technical communication:

1. Start with What Matters Most

Begin with the key takeaway your listener cares about, then add the necessary context. Ask yourself, “What do they need to know right now?”

2. Use Analogies and Visuals

Relate complex concepts to everyday ideas. For example, explain a cell’s function as a factory or use a graph instead of raw data to illustrate trends.

3. Acknowledge Uncertainty Confidently

Transparency is key, but don’t overwhelm your listener with technicalities. Say, “While some data is still emerging, here’s what we know and how we’re addressing it.”

Before and After: Simplifying a Response

Question: “What’s the mechanism of action for this drug?”

Before: “This drug is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor, blocking its interaction with PD-L1, restoring T-cell activity in the tumor microenvironment.”

After: “This drug reactivates the immune system to attack cancer. Think of it like flipping a switch that helps the body see and fight the cancer cells again.”

Again, communicating technical information effectively isn’t about proving your expertise. By focusing on their needs and simplifying your approach, you’ll ensure your message creates the impact you want.

 

7 Jan Speak With Confidence Tips

Tip #1: Consider your use of contractions

If you want to polish and add gravitas to your speaking style, it’s time to reconsider your use of contractions. The words below can be a good start to set a formal tone and an excellent approach to elevate your messaging.

aren’t → are not;

there’s → there is;

can’t → cannot;

they’d → they had;

couldn’t → could not;

they’ll → they will;

didn’t → did not;

they’re → they are

Not every situation calls for formality, but there are some situations where being well-spoken or more formal may benefit you—negotiating a contract, sharing a presentation with C-level leaders, delivering serious news, or influencing others.

Tip #2: Prepare quick opening and closing remarks for your meetings

In a recent coaching session last week, a client (let’s call her Mary), the Founder of her company, expressed frustration. During bigger events such as offsite sales meetings or team events, the last speaker often turns to her and says on the mic, “Mary, any final thoughts?” Mary, as an introvert (and taken by surprise), tends to respond with a simple “Nope, all set!”

For event hosts (CEOs, heads of IR, Founders), preparing both opening and closing remarks can be incredibly beneficial even if you are not officially scheduled to speak at those times. These moments are a valuable opportunity to conclude events meaningfully, express gratitude and build trust.

Here are some examples to consider:

  • Short and sweet closing remark: “If you have any follow-up questions, please drop by my office next week. As a token of appreciation for your time, treats and swag bags are in the hallway. Help yourself on your way out! Thank you.”
  • More elaborate closing remark: “Before we depart, I want to thank everyone who participated this week. Your presence made this event a huge success! A special acknowledgment to our XXX team for their outstanding efforts in organizing everything from XXX to XXX. Their dedication was pivotal to the success of our Fourth Annual XXX. Let’s show our gratitude for their hard work!”

Seize these moments to conclude your gatherings on a high note and leave a lasting, positive impression.

Tip #3: Practice for a ballroom-setting presentation in front of a busy storefront

It’s a busy time of year as we coach speakers for Fall Annual Global Meetings in Private Equity and Financial Services. In a coaching session earlier this week, a client had the (accidental) opportunity to practice their ten-minute presentation in a glass-walled boardroom, with at least 15 folks walking through the halls at 3 p.m., hunting for snacks and caffeine. This made me extremely happy because if you can stay laser-focused in a chaotic environment when you practice, you’ll feel the same sense of calm and control in a hotel ballroom, with all the people typing, eating, getting up to go to the bathroom, whispering, laptop notifications dinging, etc.

To replicate a busy ballroom environment, you can go to a place like a storefront or shopping center and say your presentation out loud. (You can slip in earbuds if you want to look like you are talking to someone!) Can you stay focused on your content despite the sirens, crying babies, and bustling people? People who have ADHD or are Neurodivergent (Autism Spectrum, etc.) could also significantly benefit from this type of practice. The more important the presentation, the more rigorous your preparation should be.

Tip #4: Use transition phrases to add content fluidity

As you change slides or topics during a presentation, you might find yourself saying things like:

  • So yeah, anyway
  • Um, ok next slide
  • Sorry, that was a lot of info; moving on…

Instead, memorize a few transition phrases to add polish, such as:

  • From an overall perspective on…
  • I’d like to walk you through…
  • In our conversations on the importance of…

Here’s a great quote to motivate you:

“When you are not practicing, someone else is getting better.” – Allen Iverson

11 Dec Are you always in the weeds? Understanding your mindset is the key to stopping!

When communicating up the corporate ladder, the ability to curate information effectively is crucial. However, many people fall into the trap of oversharing details, driven by underlying psychological factors that can undermine their communication effectiveness.

One of the primary reasons people feel compelled to overshare is the desire to validate their worth. The mindset of proving you’ve done a lot of work often stems from a need for recognition and approval. By sharing every detail, individuals might hope to demonstrate their diligence, competence, and value to the organization. However, this approach can backfire, as it overwhelms the listener with information that dilutes the core message. Instead of being perceived as thorough, they risk being seen as unfocused or even insecure.

Another factor is the fear of being perceived as unprepared or uninformed. Some people equate brevity with a lack of knowledge, believing that by providing more details, they can protect themselves from scrutiny or criticism. This belief can stem from a lack of confidence or an overestimation of how much information others need to see them as credible. Yet, this attitude often leads to information overload, which can frustrate senior leaders who are pressed for time and need clear, concise insights to make informed decisions.

The inability to ruthlessly curate information may also be influenced by a perfectionist mindset. Perfectionists often struggle with the fear of leaving out something important, leading them to include excessive details “just in case.” This cautious approach, while well-intentioned, can hinder effective communication by cluttering the message with unnecessary information.

To overcome these inhibiting attitudes, it’s important to shift the focus from proving oneself to serving the needs of the listeners, “It’s not about YOU!” Recognize that clarity and relevance are valued far more than sheer volume of information. By distilling your message to its essential elements, you not only demonstrate respect for your listeners’ time but also convey confidence in your judgment and decision-making abilities.