709f092603 Newport, Point Word in Yellow, originally uploaded by Pixel Packing Mama’s photos

At lunch yesterday I had the pleasure of hearing National Review Editor-at-Large and Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute John O’Sullivan speak about his new book The President, The Pope, and The Prime Minister: Three Who Changed the World.  Politics aside, what struck me about the talk was O’Sullivan’s style: self-deprecating, witty, and direct.  After the obligatory glowing intro highlighting role after role, accolade after accolade, O’Sullivan took the podium and said (I’m paraphrasing): “Reminds me of what my mother used to say: seems he can’t hold down a single job.”  Nice ice-breaker.  He proceeded with a funny bit of context regarding his preparation, and then stated matter-of-factly: “I’m going to offer you a quick snapshot of what I’m going to say, and then I’m going to say it.”  Perfect.  Anyone who speaks publicly or makes a case to a group (venture pitches included) should use this last technique.  Framing what’s to come sharpens the ears.

I couldn’t help but think back to a session at the September 2005 Venture Capital Institute, a well-run four-day program meant to steep professionals new to the venture industry in guiding principles.  Prior to the program’s official start, Amy Solas of Solas Communications conducted a talk entitled, “Effective Communication as a Venture Capitalist.”  She took her “class” through an introduction to Barbara Minto’s Pyramid Principle of writing which suggests one lead with the conclusion.  As reinforcement, Amy artfully recommended the junior professionals in the crowd recognize, at all times (in writing and verbal communication), that an upfront, high-level recommendation is key to communicating with time-starved senior colleagues.  Take heed: never just the facts.