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Tip 407: Try being obscure. |
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Try the direct-mail approach. Start with a provocative or intriguing statement to get attention and whet people's appetites for the main course. "So I think maybe we should hire only Ph.D.'s." "Ive got an idealet's beat them at their own game." When the point's "not all there,'' you'll grab their attention for your elaboration to follow. |
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Tip 408: Set yourself up to keep the floor until you finish. |
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If you fear that someone will interrupt you before you finish presenting your ideas, preface your ideas with something like the following: "After listening to what has been said, I have four observations to make about the X situation. First, . . ." and then keep enumerating as you go along so that people understand that you're not finished when you take a breath. |
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Tip 409: Be conversational; Don't move into "Meeting Mode." |
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Nobody said formal ideas had to be presented in lecture format. Use your conversational voice, not your lecture tone. |
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Lecture tone: "I want to inform you that . . ." |
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Conversational tone: "I just want to let you know that . . ." |
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Lecture tone: "Please voice your objections if I'm wrong, but . . ." |
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Conversational tone: "Please say so if I'm wrong, but . . ." |
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Lecture tone: "The research and development group of which I've been appointed chair, effective May 1, has asked that you be notified that the team is receptive to your proposals about . . ." |
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Conversational tone: "On May 1, R&D asked me to chair a team to come up with a solution. So, as part of that effort, we need your input about . . ." |
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Tip 410: Talk with, not to the group. |
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Consider yourself in a conversation with more than one rather than "addressing a group." In most situations, that means you'll pause to let others speak or ask questions if necessary for clarification as you move through your ideas. You'll use the "we" and "us" approach rather than "you" and "I." You'll use terms they'll understand rather than lapsing into jargon. You'll |
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