Information overload, death by PowerPoint and over complicating things are common mistakes that speakers and presenters make. They bombard their audiences with information, statistics, and numerous PowerPoint slides and seem to have too many points which make it hard to find the core message.
The most effective speakers and presenters use the KIS principle regularly. They limit their material to what is relevant and generally have no more than 3 or 4 key points that each support the core take home message.
When preparing a speech, I recommend that you do KIS and limit your points to 3 or 4 supported with sub points, examples, facts and stories – your personal experience stories that support the point you are trying to make.
Other people that support the KIS principal are:-
- Herbert Simon noted that – “Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention”
- Isaac Newton said “Truth is to be found in simplicity, not in multiplicity and confusion of things”
- William Shakespeare said “Men of few words are the best men”
So next time you are preparing and practicing a speech, Don’t overload them with information or fall into the trap of death by PowerPoint, rather KIS.