A freak wave whipped up over the English channel by a strong wind took the life of an 85-year old cruiser. Not cool for sure.
It reminded me, however, that a strong wind is not the only killer on a cruise ship.
A long-winded cruise ship speaker can produce disastrous results as well.
Related: 20 Ways to be a More Creative Public Speaker
On a courtesy phone call with one of my agents among the many other things she thought to remind me of – the way she does everybody, not just me – was the need to be sensitive to the time.
Cruise lines have very full schedules. It is critical to finish on time so that the next person or activity in your venue can move in and set up on time.
Not only might the next activity need to set up, your listeners may also have someplace else they want to go.
There’s another reason.
Thomas Jefferson, one of the greatest writers of all time, said,
The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.
Speakers should never feel compelled to fill up time. Rather, there should be so much that wants to be said, that paring back is the norm.
Listeners should NEVER have to feel that the time is being passed with words. Rather, they should feel that the time has passed so quickly.
The first scenario is being long-winded.
Make sure you have so much good stuff to say that time is your enemy because there is not enough of it rather than too much of it.
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