Being Concise vs. Being Clear: What Great Communicators Know

By: Stephanie Bickel

Have you ever been told to “get to the point” only to realize later that your audience needed the full story?

Concise communication is a skill worth mastering. It shows clarity of thought, respect for your audience’s time, and executive presence. But here's the truth: being concise isn’t always the right strategy.

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”

- Thomas Jefferson

In some situations, your audience doesn’t want a headline. They want a full explanation: context, rationale, even emotion. The best communicators know how to read the moment and decide when brevity works, and when it works against them.

Let’s break it down.

When Concise Works

• Your audience is tuning out. You’re losing attention, not because your content is weak, but because it's buried under too much detail. Concise helps re-engage.

• You’re sharing updates with executives. Senior leaders want clear takeaways. Use top-down messaging. Lead with the answer.

• The topic is familiar. If the listener already knows the context, extra detail dilutes your message.

• The goal is alignment or decision-making. You’re not trying to educate—you’re trying to act. Stick to the essentials that drive action.

When Concise Backfires

• You’re delivering bad news. People need context. Abruptness can come off as cold or evasive.

• You’re over budget or behind schedule. “We missed the deadline” is truthful—but not helpful without the story behind it.

• You’re trying to persuade a skeptical audience. In these moments, your audience needs trust, not just a soundbite.

• You’re in a first-time interaction. If the relationship isn’t established, brevity can seem transactional.

Choose Your Communication Mode Based on Your Audience Needs

Situation	Preferred Style
Executive summary	Concise & headline-led
Sensitive feedback	Narrative & thoughtful
Persuasive pitch	Story + structure
Status update to busy leader	Bullet point clarity
Project setback explanation	Context-rich messaging

Try This: Ask Yourself These 3 Questions Before You Speak

1. What does my audience already know?

2. What do they need to feel? Reassured? Informed? Inspired?

3. Am I avoiding the hard truth with extra words?

   
   

Sometimes we ramble not because we’re unclear, but because we’re uncomfortable. Knowing why you’re saying more than needed is the first step toward change.

Exercise: Practice Both Modes

Take one message you need to deliver this week (an update, a request, or a response). Write it in two versions:

1. Version A: 60 seconds or less. Clear, direct, to-the-point.

2. Version B: Full context. Story-driven, emotionally intelligent.

Ask a colleague which version they’d prefer in that context. You’ll start noticing when brevity earns you credibility and when detail earns you trust.

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Finding these articles helpful? You’ll gain even more by joining Speak by Design University. Each month, Stephanie Bickel hosts live coaching sessions where you can bring your real-world communication challenges and get direct support. Join us here to elevate your leadership communication for details and to sign up today!