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S P E E D K I L L S — T H E C O M P E T I T I O N

M A K E I T H A P P E N I N Y O U R L I F E

Identify your interests and those of the listener. Limit
your conversation to what is necessary at that moment. Be
discerning.

• Plan what you want to say before you speak.

• Learn to read your audience. When people lose interest,
they give signs, so watch your audience carefully. As soon
as you see their attention wander, wrap up your point and
move on to the next.

BEWARE

Brevity is important, but do not shorten information to the point
that you become unclear. In communications, clarity is always the
top priority. Clarity and brevity aren’t incompatible, but the com-
bination can take thought and practice to master.

Ask Mr. Trump: Questions from Readers of the
Trump University Blog

Q: I read your testimony to Congress on the United Nations ren-
ovation project. It was simple to understand and didn’t slip into
jargon or manager-speak. Why do you think people use jargon
when simple words will do?
DJT: I’ve noticed that insecure people are often long-winded
when they try to convince others that they are important or have
special knowledge. I believe in getting to the point in the most

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