Epigram
Craft brief, witty statements that stick in memory.
What & why
An epigram works because it is short enough to hold whole in mind and shaped to reward the effort. The compression means nothing distracts from the point, so it fits easily in working memory. The twist or paradox at the end delivers a small jolt of surprise followed by recognition, and that little insight tends to fix the line in memory. Because it is tight and self-contained, it is easy to repeat exactly, which is how epigrams travel and get attributed to the speaker.
Before & after
“We should focus on quality rather than rushing things.”
“Fast, good, cheap: pick two.”
When you’ll use it
Keynote openings: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
Meeting conclusions: "Perfect is the enemy of good" (when discussing project timelines)
Change management: "The only way out is through" (addressing difficult transitions)
Team motivation: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Pro tip
Polish it until every word earns its place.
Questions & answers
What is an epigram in speaking?
How can I use epigrams in business presentations?
What makes an epigram effective versus just a short quote?
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