Do you ever feel like someone is beating around the bush?
It may seem like they are taking too long to say something.
This can happen in business or your personal life.
Today, Lindsay and Michelle answer a great question about brevity.
Let’s be brief
Michelle asks Lindsay if she has encountered someone who is often beating around the bush?
Lindsay mentions that she often sees politicians doing that.
When they are speaking they don’t get to the point when answering questions.
She adds that there are instances when a person doesn’t want to share something directly.
Today’s episode is inspired by a question from Alberto, a listener of our podcast.
Today’s question
Hi Lindsay and Michelle,
I’m pleased to send you this email. You’re amazing and I love your podcast. I was looking for a fresh tool to revise and improve my English and I eventually found yours…so effective. I commute every day, driving for more than 2 hours, and with your help I can kill two birds with one stone (…English and driving home…).
My name is Alberto, I live in Italy and in many episodes I heard that you reply to listeners’ questions. There would be a bunch of questions I would like to ask you, but let me begin with the following one.
Can you suggest any idioms or expressions to politely say: “please, don’t walk around the topic, go straight to the point”?
I’m looking forward to hearing from you in the next episode.
Thanks a lot,
Alberto
Straight to the point
Alberto highlights a very important skill, which is getting straight to the point.
In the business setting, there are presentations and discussions that involve several people.
To save time, it’s best to be direct and concise.
This may be different in other cultures, but in American culture, time is very valuable.
Making the most of the time you have by not beating around the bush is important.
You may need to ask someone to be concise.
Don’t hesitate to give the feedback that they should not add too much padding to their words.
Being direct
You may wonder why it matters that you be concise with what you say.
Even if it feels uncomfortable, we need to address expectations around what kind of answer or information we are looking for.
This can be in a meeting, presentation practice, or giving directions to a team member.
We want to do this in a direct way that does not break the connection.
This feedback might come from a supervisor, but could also be colleague to colleague.
Lindsay and Michelle share with you how you can be direct without offending anyone.
Here are a few phrases you can use:
#1: Please be brief
This is very direct but it’s useful when necessary.
You can use this to save time and let them know you want to get to the point.
Example:
Okay, we have a few minutes to discuss this, so please be brief.
#2: Cut to the chase
This is a more informal phrase to use.
You just have to be careful of the tone you use because you could sound rude.
Example:
So sorry, but in the interest of time I think it’s best to cut to the chase.
#3: Give me the main points
Similar to the previous phrase, this is another way to get directly to the point of the conversation.
With this, you can easily address any questions or main issues being raised.
Example:
Okay, this all sounds great. Now please give me the main points.
#4: What are the top three points?
This is a good way to know the specific details right away.
This can also help the person you’re talking to narrow down the details of the conversations to what is really important.
Example:
Sounds like you are excited about what you have to say. What are the top three points?
Roleplay
Lindsay and Michelle use the tips and vocabulary shared in this episode in a roleplay.
This will help you better understand how to use these in a conversation in English.
In this scenario, Lindsay is Michelle’s colleague.
Michelle is going through an upcoming presentation and Lindsay is giving her feedback.
Michelle: Okay, so I think I’m going to give a bunch of examples here and some stories to go along with it.
Lindsay: That all sounds good but what are the top three points? Boom. Boom. Boom.
Michelle: Oh um, well it’s all about… hmm… not sure how to put this.
Lindsay: Honestly, I think you should just be brief. You don’t have to make everything so long-winded.
Michelle: True.
Lindsay: Yeah! So, just cut to the chase. Give me the main points.
Michelle: Okay, thank you! I need to write this down.
Takeaway
The main takeaway for today’s episode is the importance of being clear and concise in communication, especially in the business world.
While it can be uncomfortable, it’s essential to set expectations for directness when asking someone to focus on the key points without extra details.
The challenge lies in asking for brevity without offending or damaging the relationship.
Being mindful of the person you’re talking to and tone is crucial.
A direct request can be received in different ways depending on the situation.
The goal is to strike a balance between efficiency and maintaining a positive connection in the conversation.
Make sure to be kind and use the phrases shared by Lindsay and Michelle to avoid harming the relationship with colleagues while giving feedback.
You can also check out other episodes of Business English to make sure you communicate well.
You can listen to episode BE 339: Avoid Being a Nervous Wreck With This Vocabulary.
Remember Connection NOT Perfection™
Can you share other work situations where it is important to be concise?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
