Verbal communication at work.
WHAT MAKES CONTRIBUTIONS EFFECTIVE
Being brief Making one point Saying what you want
WHAT TO DO BEFORE SPEAKING
Know what your point is.
WHY
Thinking aloud in a meeting consumes everyone's time.
WHAT TO SAY FIRST
Your conclusion or question.
WHAT TO AVOID
Long preamble Repeating what others said Speaking to demonstrate presence
WHAT TO DO IF YOU DISAGREE
Say so, specifically, about the substance.
HOW
State what you would do instead, and why.
WHY THAT FRAMING
Disagreement with an alternative is constructive; without one it is obstruction.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE UNSURE
Say you are unsure, and what would resolve it.
WHAT TO DO IN A MEETING THAT IS DRIFTING
Ask what decision is being made.
WHY THAT WORKS
It returns the discussion to purpose without criticism.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE QUIET BY NATURE
Prepare one or two points in advance.
WHY
It removes the need to think and speak simultaneously.
WHAT TO DO IF OTHERS DOMINATE
Ask a direct question of someone who has not spoken.
WHAT TO DO AT THE END
Confirm what was decided and who acts.
WHY
It is frequently unclear, and stating it is valued.
