The only social media tool that I use regularly is LinkedIn, and I’m not even sure if that’s considered social media, is it?
But six months ago, on a pique of curiosity, I installed TikTok. Since then I have never created a TikTok or sent a message on it, but I regularly view the stream of pseudo-random video snippets that come in. I find it so interesting how much content people can cram into the 60-second limit.
To be successful, TikTok users need to be able to communicate concisely and succinctly. Watching TikToks is like getting a Masterclass in succinct and impactful communication. If your attention has not been grabbed within ten seconds, people will scroll on to the next clip. If the story arc cannot be completed within 60 seconds, people are unlikely to go searching for ‘part II’.
Can Project Managers learn from TikTok masters?
How many presentations have you had to sit through where, with better forethought and impactful delivery, the takeaways from a 30 minute presentation could have been delivered in 60 seconds?
The five C’s will help you to communicate with impact – whether via a boardroom presentation, or via a TikTok video:
- Clear:
Your key point needs to be communicated in a manner that’s easy for your target audience to understand, even if they are not paying attention fully (they could be sending snapchats and/or reading the Financial Times).
- Concise:
TikTok enforces brevity with their 60 second time limit. Achieve the same effect with your presentations by being direct and to the point without inserting unnecessary distractions from your main points.
- Credible:
Ensure you can justify any claims you make by having proof points and referencing supporting details to strengthen your key points.
- Compelling:
Grab your audiences’ attention and inspire them to take relevant action. The use of alliteration and assonance helps phrases to lodge in people’s brains – e.g. ‘Pat’s Chat’ is a more memorable title than ‘Pat’s Monthly Update to all Staff’
- Consistent:
If you establish a communication cadence – e.g. weekly update, monthly newsletter, you MUST maintain that cadence consistently. How many monthly newsletters never get past the second edition when the initial enthusiasm runs out.
For successful project management you need to consistently maintain concise, clear, credible and compelling information flow to your project stakeholders. After you’ve done that you can start creating TikTok videos!
For all your project management needs please contact info@aspira.ie.
