Using words to make you memorable

Article contributed by Lisa Mackay.

This post follows on from the workshop post on your use of words and how you project those words will impact recollection.

Remember, for every 2 million bits of information we are only retaining 160 from every moment.  So you need to fight to get into that 160.

In BNI we are all working together and we all want to do the best in terms of selling each others businesses.  But we are far more likely to sell the business/service/person who we know/understand/can see how they will add value etc.  In this we are all competing with one another to be the most memorable, the most referable etc.  So make it easier for your fellow BNI’ers by giving them the info then need in the most memorable way possible.

None of the following will be news to anyone, but how many of you actually do it each time you are speaking about your business?

1.     Be Clear and to the point

• Don’t ramble
• Make 1 or 2 clear points only
• Tell the audience what they want/need to hear, not what you feel like telling them.  They are not interested in what you did last week unless they can see what the solution and applicability is for them
• Tell them what you are going to do for them/the person they are referring you to

2.     No Jargon

We all use jargon as part of our normal day to day language.  I still get pulled up on “what is HR?”

Unfortunately not everyone will admit they don’t understand, they will:

• Switch off and stop listening
• Make up what they think you are talking about (which could be well off the mark)
• Dismiss you as ‘too technical’ and therefore not relating to them

3.     Don’t wing it

A good polished 60 seconds will stand out miles from the ‘off the cuff’ made up as you stand up 60 seconds.

4.     Don’t Mumble

Use your volume and tonality to make them listen, not put them to sleep

5.     Repeat your contact details

Say your name and company at the start and at the finish to maximise the chances of them recalling it.  If you don’t tell them who you are at the start they will be distracted by ‘who are they?’.  Then the body of your presentation will answer the question of ‘why do I need to listen to this person’ so you need to remind them at the of who you are once they know the answer

6.     Be Concise

Often less is more, 60 seconds is a limit not a target!

Lisa Mackay is Managing Director of HRtoolkit Ltd.

As educational coordinator for her BNI chapter she ran a series of educationals; this is the second of five. Next week... Tricks and tools to increase your memorability