Definition of Concision

Concision in business communication refers to conveying information in a brief and direct manner without sacrificing clarity or essential details. It involves eliminating unnecessary words and focusing on the core message, ensuring that the communication is efficient and to the point. Concise communication helps in keeping the attention of the audience, making it easier to convey important information effectively.
Why Being Concise Matters in Negotiations
In business negotiations, time is often of the essence. Being concise helps in several ways:
1. Saves Time: Concise communication reduces the time spent on discussions, allowing negotiators to reach conclusions more quickly.
2. Maintains Attention: Long-winded explanations can lead to loss of focus. Concise communication keeps the audience engaged and attentive.
3. Enhances Persuasiveness: Clear and concise messages are more persuasive because they are easier to understand and remember.
4. Reduces Misunderstandings: By eliminating superfluous information, concise communication minimizes the risk of misinterpretation.
The Pitfalls of Over-Communication
Over-communication can dilute the core message and lead to confusion. It often results in:
1. Information Overload: Providing too much information can overwhelm the audience, making it difficult for them to identify the key points.
2. Loss of Focus: Excessive details can divert attention from the main issues, causing the discussion to veer off track.
3. Increased Misunderstandings: More words can create more opportunities for misinterpretation, leading to potential conflicts or delays.
Techniques for Concise Communication

Eliminate Redundancies
Redundant words and phrases add unnecessary length to your message without adding value. For instance, instead of saying “each and every,” simply say “each.” Review your communication for repetitive or superfluous words and remove them to streamline your message.

Focus on Key Points
Prioritize the most critical information and present it upfront. Determine the essential points that need to be communicated and ensure they are highlighted. This method ensures that your audience quickly understands the key points.

Use Bullet Points and Summaries
Using bullet points breaks down complex information into smaller, easier-to-understand pieces.
Summaries provide a quick overview of the main points, reinforcing the central message.
For example, instead of writing a lengthy paragraph, use bullet points to outline the key terms of a contract.

Practice Brevity in Writing and Speech
Get into the habit of being brief and to the point in both written and verbal communication. This practice involves reviewing and editing your messages to remove unnecessary words and focusing on delivering your point succinctly. For instance, in meetings, make your points clearly and avoid rambling.

Implementing Concise Communication
Achieving concision requires regular practice and self-awareness. Start by editing your emails, reports, and verbal pitches, aiming to reduce wordiness while maintaining the core message. With time, concise communication will become a natural part of your negotiation strategy, enhancing your effectiveness and efficiency.
In summary, concision is crucial in business negotiations because it saves time, maintains attention, enhances persuasiveness, and reduces misunderstandings. By eliminating redundancies, focusing on key points, using bullet points and summaries, and practicing brevity, you can ensure your communication is concise and impactful.