Keep It Simple
The K.I.S.S. philosophy still reigns king when developing messaging.
I just finished cleaning out some of our files and ran across an ad that was placed in the Wall Street Journal some time ago. I think we all need to be reminded that the K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple Stupid) Philosophy needs dusting off now and again. Here’s the copy from the ad.
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Keep It Simple
Strike three.
Get your hand off my knee.
You’re overdrawn.
Your horse won.
Yes. No.
You have the account.
Walk.
Don’t walk.
Mom’s dead.
Basic events require simple language.
Idiosyncratically euphemistic eccentricities are the promulgators of triturable obfuscation.
What did you do last night? Enter into a meaningful romantic involvement, or fall in love?
What did you have for breakfast this morning? The upper part of a hog’s hind leg with two oval bodies encased in a shell laid by a female bird, or ham and eggs?
David Belasco, the great American theatrical producer, once said: “If you can’t write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don’t have a clear idea.”
Where in the World is Anthony?
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Worked all day today in Campinas, Brazil with a global manufacturer. Messaging tip 12: Stick to 3-5 key points per topic. It forces prioritization. Less is definitely more.
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Working this week in Brazil. Crisis comms tip 11: By the time you hear the thunder, it's too late to build the ark. Prepare now! Get a crisis communications plan, build a shadow website, collect contact info, write your AI messaging prompts, and so much more.