Why Is It So Hard to Be Concise?

Let’s talk about something almost everyone struggles with — rambling. Giving too many details. Not getting to the point.

You know the feeling: You’re speaking in a meeting, a presentation, or maybe even just answering a simple question… and suddenly you realize — you’ve said too much. You’re still talking, but you’re not sure if the person is even following anymore.

Being concise doesn't just mean “using fewer words.” It means being intentional. It means focusing on what matters most to the person listening. And that’s actually really hard — especially under pressure.

So why is it so hard to be concise?

From my experience as a communication coach, here are the most common reasons:

• You’re nervous, so you over-explain to feel safe.

• You’re not fully confident in what you’re saying, so you add more “just in case.”

• You want to sound smart or credible, so you pile on the details.

• You haven’t trained yourself to think about the listener — you're focused on what you want to say.

• And sometimes, you’re just unaware — no one ever taught you to pay attention to how your message is landing.

Sound familiar?

But here’s the thing:

When you ramble or give too many details, people disconnect. They stop listening. They get overwhelmed. Or worse — they leave with the wrong impression.

And in a professional context — in an interview, a presentation, a client meeting — that can cost you opportunities, credibility, even trust.

So what can you do about it?

As a coach, one of the simplest but most powerful habits I teach is this:

Start by knowing what you want to say — and why. Before you speak, take a second to pause and ask yourself: “What’s the main idea here?” “Why does it matter to this person?”

That pause alone can change everything. It helps you speak with intention instead of reacting. It helps you focus on the other person, not just your own thoughts. And over time, it builds a habit of clarity and confidence — without sounding robotic.

What about you?

Do you find it hard to be concise? Are you someone who tends to explain too much — or gets nervous and fills the silence?

Let me know. I’d love to hear what your experience is — and what helps you stay focused when you speak.

Drop a comment or message me directly. And if you want help learning how to be more clear, confident, and impactful in English — especially in high-pressure moments — you know where to find me.

👉 Want to go deeper into this topic? Read the full article on my blog: Why Is It So Hard to Be Concise? https://www.speakwithpierre.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-be-concise

If this is something you struggle with — in meetings, interviews, or just daily conversations — don’t keep pushing through alone. Message me directly if you want to work on it together. It’s a skill. And it can change everything.