Business By Hormozi #173: Speak with Purpose – Have More Space Between Words, Less Between Ideas

Tom’s Journey to Clear Communication

Tom had always been a fast talker. In meetings, he would rattle off his ideas quickly, confident in his knowledge and the value of his insights. However, over time, he realized that the speed at which he spoke wasn’t always helping his cause. Despite his quick delivery, people often had trouble following his thoughts. Ideas were getting lost in the rush of words, and his messages weren’t landing the way he wanted.

One day, Tom was in a meeting with Olivia, a colleague known for her calm and measured way of speaking. She didn’t rush through her words, but when she spoke, everything she said had impact. Her ideas were clear and compelling, and it was easy to follow her line of thought.

After the meeting, Tom asked Olivia how she managed to communicate so effectively.

"Tom," she said with a smile, "When speaking, try to have more space between words, but less space between ideas. It’s not about how fast you speak, but how clearly your message comes across. Give each word room to breathe and let your ideas flow smoothly together. People will understand you better."

The Power of Space and Clarity

Tom took Olivia’s advice to heart and started practicing it. He slowed down his pace, but he made sure that his ideas were still closely connected. He began to pause for a moment between sentences, allowing each thought to sink in before moving on to the next. His words became more deliberate, but his message felt more cohesive. By giving his words more space to breathe, he gave his audience the opportunity to fully grasp his thoughts.

The difference was immediate. In meetings, his colleagues were more engaged, asking questions and responding to his ideas with greater interest. They could follow the flow of his thoughts without feeling rushed or confused. Tom realized that slowing down didn’t make him less efficient—it made him more effective.

The Importance of Breathing Between Words and Ideas

Tom’s shift in speaking style wasn’t just about slowing down; it was about creating room for his audience to process the information. When you rush through your words, you leave little space for reflection. By giving people time to absorb what you’re saying, you help them connect the dots more easily. And when your ideas flow naturally, without interruptions, they feel more cohesive and powerful.

Tom also learned that the spaces between ideas are just as important as the spaces between words. When you allow your ideas to build upon one another, your audience can follow the logical progression of your thoughts. This keeps the conversation flowing without gaps, making your message stronger.

The Takeaway: Speak with Clarity, Not Speed

Tom’s story teaches us that speaking with intention is more important than speaking quickly. By having more space between words and less space between ideas, you create a clear, purposeful communication style. This doesn’t mean you should drag out every sentence or pause excessively—it’s about finding balance. Slow down, but keep your ideas tight and connected. This will allow your audience to stay engaged and grasp your message with greater ease as you Speak with Purpose.

When we focus on clarity rather than speed, we can communicate with more impact. So, the next time you’re speaking, remember: give your words the space they need to breathe, and let your ideas flow smoothly together.