Writing things down

Writing things down is among the most powerful tools to refine your thinking.

Because it makes your thinking specific. By writing it down you commit to one specific way of saying what you want to say.

And then you can review that. Criticise it. Is that what I meant to say?

You can discuss it with others. Do they get what I mean?

You can focus it. Is that the shortest version I can come up with?

You can make it more concrete. Is there a way to make that easier to understand? Not committing to a specific wording is the number one reason I see among clients who struggle with making their story more tangible.

And also: Does it feel right? Can I make it more elaborate? Or more creative?

We’ve got to start somewhere. Writing your thinking down often is a great place to start refining it.

Check out my new book
The PATH to Strategic Impact

Get This Moment Counts in your inbox.
My weekly briefing for leaders who want to give their best talk exactly when it matters

    I value your privacy. No spam. Just “Great stuff, brilliantly articulated” (to use the words of longtime reader David).

    Read More

    Embracing the blank stare

    For some, it’s a huge source of frustration.For others, it’s a gift. The blank stare on people’s faces when you tell them about your great

    Read »

    What do you mean?

    This one’s so obvious that I hesitated to post it, but then again it’s so often dismissed that I think it’s important to repeat: If

    Read »