Leaders are often frustrated that they have to repeat themselves. Are the recruiters and other staff members on their team not listening?

No, often, they are not.

Short attention spans have gotten shorter. We have just nine seconds to capture someone’s attention. And only 30 seconds to share our full message being tuned out.

Less is more when it comes to being masterful in conversations. Being a “soundbiter” will have more of your direct reports listening, wanting to understand, and retain the valuable things you have to say.

Becoming an effective soundbiter begins with three simple steps:

Step 1 – Listen to how people communicate in person, on the telephone, and via television and radio. Pay particular attention to those that capture your attention while keeping their comments brief. Notice how they convey their ideas through their selection of words and use of volume, tone, and inflection.

Step 2 – Conduct a personal debrief after conversations you have with others. Pick statements you made during the conversation and develop alternative ways you could have made your remarks in more of a provocative, soundbite fashion.

Step 3 – Strive for progress, not perfection, by using select conversations as an opportunity to practice saying more with less words. Personal conversations are often a safe and easy place to start.

The job of being a leader is challenging. Leaders make it harder than it needs to be when they talk to much.