1. Gather Your Thoughts First

If you already know the points you want to make, give your best effort to consolidate what you want to say without adding unnecessary back story and irrelevant points. Make your thoughts clear and concise.

2. Speak Slower

We all know those people who talk a mile a minute, and try to fit as many details as possible whether they matter or not. This will end up sounding like word vomit and may not get your point across to the other person. If you find yourself fumbling your words, slow down your speech slightly.

3. Stick To The Topic

When you go off topic from what you want to discuss, you drive further away from your point. You end up delving into another subject that had nothing to do with the original discussion and cause the other person to lose interest in the points you were making. Stay on track.

4. Speak Plainly

Easy-to-read sentences or plainly spoken ones tend to sit better with people. It becomes clear what you are talking about, and makes them understand you. If a “big word” will consolidate your sentence then by all means, use it. Just remember that a sentence delivered plainly is a sentence delivered best.

5. Don’t Volunteer Extra Information

If someone really wants to know more, they will ask. Give them the chance to take in what you are saying and see if they fully understand it first. When you volunteer extra information outside of your direct topic, you may also tell the other person something you shouldn’t have. Give the other person the opportunity to provide feedback on what you are saying so you can fine-tune your response.

Practice these 5 things and you’ll be on your way to being succinct and concise.