When asked for my mobile number I like to spell it out in three separate “chunks” as in “0415”, pause, “358”, pause, “324”. And why do I say it that way? Well, it’s because long ago I learnt that it’s easy to think and speak in chunks (bite size pieces) you can easily remember, recall and repeat to make it much easier for the people listening to you.
Quite simply, it improves clarity, comprehension and understanding.
This simple but very important knowledge came to me many years ago from a brilliant speaker and speaking coach, Cam Barber, who told me all about it and how to apply it to what I do as a speaker and a consultant.
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That’s why, when I begin to address an audience I often start with “There are three (or five) important things you must know about this topic…“
Then I proceed to elaborate on each of those key points using examples, stories, testimonials, illustrations, and so on to ensure that each point is clearly understood… rammed home in fact!
You see I want people to leave my talks saying “He said there were five key points which were…” and go on to quote and explain them.
That way I can really be sure I’ve gotten my message across!
Now this has been a fundamental principal I’ve been explaining to many aspiring speakers for years. I simply say to them, “Learn how to chunk. Get your five key points together and elaborate and explain them to the delight and understanding of your audience”.
Chunking! A very useful tool for speakers. It’s the way I know I’ve got my message across!
By the way, I caught up with Cam the other day which reminded me to write this article. He has just released a new book with lots of juicy stuff about chunking and many other ways of taking your speaking skills to a new level. Find the details here!
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