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Ernest Hemingway, the famous American writer, was a master of packing a great deal of meaning into just a few words. He became famous for his compelling short stories, such as The Killers (1927). Later he wrote such masterpieces as For Whom The Bell Tolls, The Old Man And The Sea, and The Sun Also Rises.

Once a friend challenged Hemingway to come up with a short story of only six words. Never short of self-esteem, Hemingway took on the challenge. The result is impressive:

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With only six words Hemingway manages to drive our imagination into the wildest directions. It’s an art to say less but express more.

Public speakers tend to do exactly the opposite. They talk more and say less. They have difficulty getting to the point, or they never hit their target at all.

Less is more — it’s the golden rule of public speaking.

If you changed your job because you didn’t get along with your boss, there’s no need to explain that conflict-laden relationship in detail — that he never really liked you because you voted for the wrong political party, and on top of that, he tried to hit on your wife at the Christmas party, but she wasn’t interested and he couldn’t cope with the rejection, and — and — and —

You get the point? All you need to say is that you changed jobs because you and your boss didn’t get along. Less is more.

It’s like Cinderella, who separates the good peas from the bad peas.

Look for words and phrases that resonate with meaning. Every word counts in public speaking, and every word less counts more.

Boost your content even more by talking less and saying more.