Why Is It So Hard to Be Concise?
“Be more concise.”
It sounds simple — but for many people, especially in high-pressure situations like interviews or presentations, it feels impossible.
Over the years coaching professionals, I’ve seen how difficult it can be to speak with clarity and precision. And it’s rarely just a language issue.
Often, the real reason people talk too much is emotional: they’re nervous, unsure of themselves, or afraid of being misunderstood. So they explain more. Then a bit more. And suddenly… they’ve lost their listener.
Some people ramble to prove they know what they’re talking about. Others talk too much because they’re unaware of how their message is landing — they’re focused on what they want to say, not what the other person needs to hear.
Whatever the reason, it matters.
Giving too many details can hurt your impact — whether you're pitching, presenting, answering questions in a job interview, or just trying to sound confident in English.
So here’s how I help clients learn to be more concise — not by memorizing scripts, but by becoming more intentional, more self-aware, and more in control of how they speak.
Why Concise Communication Matters
You can have great ideas, deep knowledge, and the best intentions — but if you don’t express them clearly and simply, people may not truly understand (or remember) what you said.
This is something I work on every day with my clients. From team leads to consultants to senior managers, many professionals struggle to get to the point when they speak. Some ramble. Some over-explain. Some feel they need to justify everything they say. And the result?
❌ Confused listeners
❌ Missed opportunities
❌ A message that gets lost in too many words
Being concise doesn’t mean being cold or robotic. It means being intentional — and that’s what creates impact.
👉 Struggling with clarity when you speak? Send me a message — let’s talk about what’s getting in your way.
What It Means to Be Concise When You Speak
To speak concisely doesn’t mean rushing or cutting yourself short. It means:
✅ Speaking with a clear goal
✅ Choosing only what’s relevant to your listener
✅ Avoiding over-explaining or repeating yourself
✅ Knowing when to stop — and let your message land
Concise speakers are focused, clear, and present. It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.
Why Is It So Hard to Be Concise?
If you struggle with this — you're not alone. There are real reasons why people over talk:
Nervousness: You talk more when you feel unsure or uncomfortable.
Lack of confidence: You feel the need to explain everything to prove yourself.
Fear of being misunderstood: So you give all the details, just in case.
Perfectionism: You keep correcting or clarifying instead of trusting your message.
Low awareness: You’re not focused on your listener — just your own thoughts.
These habits are common, especially for non-native speakers. And they’re all changeable.
The Real Impact of Over-Explaining
When you ramble or include too many details, it creates real consequences:
❌ You lose your listener’s attention
❌ You sound less confident — even if your ideas are strong
❌ People may misunderstand your message
❌ It creates friction in interviews, presentations, and meetings
Being concise helps you come across as clear, credible, and calm — especially in English.
Coaching Insight: Start With Your Message, Not Your Fear
One of the most powerful habits I teach is this:
Before you speak, pause and ask yourself:
“What’s the main thing I want them to remember?”
This one-second shift changes everything.
It grounds you. It focuses your message. It reduces rambling.
And most importantly — it puts your listener at the center of your communication.
💬 Want help putting this into practice? Book a free consultation — we’ll look at your specific challenges and next steps.
5 Coaching Tips to Help You Speak More Concisely
1. Think First — Even for 3 Seconds 🧠
Give yourself a pause before responding. This helps you center your thoughts and decide what’s truly worth saying.
2. Lead With Your Point 🎯
Start with your conclusion or key message. Then add one supporting detail or example if needed. Not the other way around.
3. Stop When You’re Done 🛑
If you’ve made your point — stop. You can always ask:
“Would you like more detail?”
That shows confidence, not weakness.
4. Check for Relevance 📌
Before adding something, ask:
“Is this useful for them — or just for me?”
This keeps your message focused and prevents accidental over-talking.
5. Practice in Low-Stakes Moments 🗣️
Everyday moments (small talk, work chats, video calls) are the perfect training ground. Try expressing your idea in just 2–3 sentences. Build the muscle.
Bonus Exercise: The “One Message” Challenge
Before your next meeting or call, write down one sentence:
“What do I want them to understand, feel, or do after I speak?”
Use that sentence to guide your words. Speak to that.
It’s simple — and it works.
⭐ Want to become a Clear, Confident Speaker in English?⭐
If you're tired of overthinking everything you say — or if you want to improve how you speak in English during presentations, meetings, or interviews — I can help.
I offer personalized:
Speaking Preparation Sessions — for presentations, job interviews, and leadership moments
Business English Coaching — for improving fluency, vocabulary, and professional confidence
📩 Book a free consultation
📬 Message me directly — I’ll be happy to listen
Let’s work on your voice — together.
— Pierre Austin
