Simply to influence - How you can make it easier for others to understand you

This post came out from The Straits Times (1 April 2016)
Title - Simply to influence

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Simplification 1: Needs versus Wants
2. Simplification 2: So What?
3. Simplification 3: Fluency is everything

On Simplification 1: Needs versus Wants

• People often assume that they would lose credibility if they miss out presenting information that shows how knowledgeable they are. In fact, the reverse is true. The more you present according to your expertise, the more people do not understand due to the jargon you use.
• It is not about how knowledgeable you are, but whether people perceive you to be knowledgeable by making it easy to understand concepts from their perspectives. 
• If people can't understand, it does not matter. Start the simplification process by asking, "What is it people want to know?"

On Simplification 2: So What?

• We should only give information by looking at what people want to know or have to know. The "so what?" challenges us to be more precise, forcing us to get to the point of what is most important. So stay true to your focal point by constantly asking "so what?"

On Simplification 3: Fluency is everything

• Fluency refers to the smooth transition of ideas and words that people can understand quickly. It is also best to remove animations and transition effects from slides. In today environment, people just want to get to the point. An animation is a distraction because it disrupts a person's train of thoughts. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big