When you edit a business presentation that offers a numbered list or step-by-step instructions, here’s a fun way to make your content more satisfying. In your head, ask yourself, “what might the exact opposite of that action be?”
- “Communicate with employees” might become “Leave employees in the dark.”
- “Follow the company policy manual” can be “Ignore all laws and rules.”
- “Remain calm” might become “Have a complete nervous breakdown.”
photo credit t0 Frau Shizzle
When I play “the opposite game” as I’m editing a list, I can easily spot weak writing. If my “opposite” advice sounds ridiculous, I know I’m saying something too vague to be valuable.
I might as well not say it at all!
Other than simply eliminating weak writing, I might also want to consider a re-write. A great way to pack more punch into a sloppy call to action is to move from the general to the specific. For example, instead of the first two bullet points, I might write “3 Company Policies to Review with Staff on May 1”. A specific headline or bullet point is often more memorable, actionable, or valuable than a generic one.
Try playing “the opposite game” with your latest business presentation or article. Take a look at your bullet point lists or headlines. What insights does “playing the opposite game” give you? How did it help you make your presentation stronger or more specific?
(And help me out — how can I re-write “Manage Expectations”??? As opposed to what?)
Laura:
Sometimes it’s fun to add some humor by presenting that list of opposites to your audience. Back in 2008 I did a blog post with bad advice from “Flip Chart Charlie” who said (among other things):
Use flip charts only when you will have more than twenty people seated more than fifteen feet away from the easel. Some of the audience should see a chart that looks no larger than a postage stamp.
Put the most important information on the bottom third of the page, so people in the back of the room cannot possibly see it.
Be sure to use whatever markers are lying around. Light orange is good, but yellow or pink highlighters are even better.
Keep reducing the size of your letters to indicate the headings, sub headings, sub-sub headings, sub-sub-sub headings, etc. With enough levels you can give your audience a free eye exam.
As you point to your chart, be sure to turn away from the audience. Mumble so softly that even the front row can’t hear you.
Richard
Richard:
Love it!
As an audience member, I sometimes amuse myself by rewriting weak bullet points. When somebody says something obvious, like “Keep lines of communication open” I often mutter “As opposed to what?”
At least the person next to me snickers. That’s humor, right?