Numbers Rule
I was reading the latest version of the CPRS Vancouver newsletter, Essentials, and came upon Della Smith’s article on crisis communications.
She uses the 27/9/3 rule in preparing for catastrophic moments:
27 words, 9 seconds, 3 messages.
Although she uses this in the context of crisis communications, I wonder if it’s a good rule of thumb for communications planning in general.
I was also reminded of Guy Kawasaki’s great 10/20/30 PowerPoint rule:
10 slides, 20 minutes, 30 point font size.
I’m usually anti-PowerPoint as I think it’s a medium that has replaced the overhead projector in terms of delivering excitement and value, but Kawasaki’s points are well-taken for those still clinging to it as a presentation tool.
Both Della and Guy’s number combos remind me to keep diction short, punctual, and driven.
