Go Straight for the Bush
Many of us might be familiar with the expression “beating about the bush”. It basically means avoiding the point. Given something to speak about or write on, we often indulge in it if we are not sure what exactly to say or don’t understand the topic. This can see you through a few situations in life but will surely go against you in professional life. When you appear in interviews or make presentations, you will be expected to stick to the topic. Digressions will not be appreciated.
For many of us, it becomes difficult initially to stop ourselves from deviating once we start speaking or writing. In academic spheres or debates between friends, one thing leads to another and before you know it, you have switched tracks. In professional life, there’s little time and you will be required to keep the pace up. Your speeches and written works need to be brief and to the point.
Practicing speaking at home or between friends is a good exercise i feel. Just choose a topic and set yourself a time limit of 5-10 minutes. Try to speak or write about it within that time. Stay focussed and suppress any urge to move away from the topic. Say or write only as much you know and do not be under the impression that you are expected to know everything. If you haven’t understood a question while facing an interview, request the interview panel to repeat the question or explain it a little so that you know exactly what is being asked. Rest assured it will be appreciated more than confusion and the consequent beating about the bush.