When my children created their first Powerpoint chart the results hurt my eyes! Each (as all newbies probably did) used too many capabilities of the tool with different fonts, colors and even (ugh) had words flashing on the screen. They were so focused on the style that no one could understand the content. All I could do was to send them to their mother to help then clean it up.
I took this a mental step further when thinking about my use of word processors and email systems. The tool provided great creative control to the typist who was entering the text. In the old days (ok, the very old days), someone dictated or hand wrote the text -- meaning there was focus on content only. Now we own both creative control and content as we type. The judicious use of bullets, indents, bold/italic, etc. really can make a difference in delivering a message.
Putting all this together brings me to people - in both professional and personal settings. The point of this entry is that success requires a balance of both Content and Style.
A content-rich dull speaker needs some style, an engaging style to effectively deliver a message. And how many of us have heard about people who are "empty suits"? (I actually had a client refer to a colleague of mine telling me that he need not attend any more meetings - that he should just send his suit the next time). Neither is good.
Be self-aware and know who you are. Find the balance between content and style. I'm far from a stylish guy, so I'll never forget my Uncle who told me (as I was graduating high school) that when at work I should dress like everyone else, "but a little bit better".
I guess he knew that I had the content.
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