“If you want me to give you a two-hour presentation, I am ready today.  If you want only a five-minute speech, it will take me two weeks to prepare.”

Most agree Mark Twain said this.  Yet other speakers (Churchill) had similar quotes about brevity being the soul of wit.  I’ve been smiling about it since I’ve been writing several short scripts for demo, or explainer, videos.  Writing short takes longer – no doubt!  These “shorts” are one minute, maybe two in length, and serve as an elevator speech in video.  Can you describe your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) in 60 seconds?  It’s hard.

Yet, in our fast world, the ability to relate benefits quickly translates into business success.  I’ve been heartened to see new entrepreneurs in our uncertain economy.  Learning to communicate concisely will benefit them.

See how some new businesses are communicating their elevator speech at www.timgoodspeed.com.