Talked with dynamic, charismatic leader last week.
She brought up term I was not familiar with “Cut Through.” I asked her to define it.
She described it this way; “Have you ever been around someone who is fascinating? Who just seems to attract people? Listeners want to hear the person. Remember what they said. Feed off their emotion and energy.”
She said, that’s “Cut Thru.” That’s title of excellent book by Domenic Colenso. He described situations that really held our attention. Afterward, we would think about what they said. Turns out they had not said anything of significance. Yet people were fascinated and others were lining up to hear them. That’s “Cut through.”
A person with “cut through” has ability to get people’s attention and to influence them. People have to attract attention, before they can be an influence. People with cut through seem to do it naturally. Colenso points out it can be learned.
If we don’t naturally have Cut through, how do we get it?
This dynamic leader, made a key point. How we make presentations has not really changed in decades. The medium we use has modified. Colenso said what has changed in communication is how we “listen and hear.” Now, sound bites are way to communicate. Shorter they are the better.
3 Traits to Cultivate for Cut Through
Emotion – To Colenso “Emotion is the currency of attention.” Key in speeches and presentations is to make people feel something. When people feel, they become involved with presenter. Think of sporting events. What happens when there is great play? In presentations, we want listener to feel emotions.
Simplicity This part of communication has really changed. Take a complicated subject and make it easy to understand.
Few years ago emphasis was on giving background. “Tell ‘em what you are going to tell ‘em, then tell ‘em, the tell them what you told them.”
In todays world. Give them the result they should expect. How the result is attained. The audience result is intended for.
Give listeners the bottom line. Let the audience reach out if they want more information.
Simpler our message more likely we will be heard.
Politicians are trying to capture their thoughts in 3 words. (Shouldn’t be hard. That’s assuming they have anything to say in first place.)Energy. How to have energy in presentations? Easy. Just believe in what we are saying. When we “believe” it comes out. When people believe, their natural enthusiasm is contagious. Back to the sporting analogy. When the athlete believes in what they are doing their enthusiasm comes through.
Emotion, simplicity, and energy are keys to effective presentations/speeches. Master them to exhibit “Cut through.” Continually innovate and expand leadership.
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Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
