Sep, 2006 TM magazine
How to Present an Idea and Be Heard
By Sam Silverstein
1. Be Prepared
Prior to the meeting, gather as much information as possible on the topics you’ll be covering and the decisions you’ll be making.
Review what happened in the last meeting, research new findings on the issue at hand, and know the pros and cons of each solution.
2. Listening is Just as Important as Talking
Without good listening, you can’t effectively critique your fellow club or ask good clarifying questions.
Exercise those finely honed listening skills in your next group meeting at work.
By hearing what everyone has to say, you can combine your thoughts with those already presented and potentially come up with the best alternative.
3. Lead with Questions
When your opportunity to talk comes around, leading with questions is often better than leading with solutions.
Clarifying questions rephrase and repeat what someone else says when people aren’t catching on.
At that point, you have a perfect opportunity to add your ideas. You’ve framed your thoughts by getting everyone to agree on the issue and narrowed the focus of discussion, which means your message is more on target and is more likely to get support.
A clarifying question forces everyone to stop and listen to what is being said. The discussion will slow down and the group can work out a solution more effectively.
4. Don’t Marry Your Ideas
Realize that solutions are often a process and a product of the group as a whole.
Don’t get defensive when others don’t fully support your idea or when someone else builds off your idea.
When supervisor congratulates you on a great idea, give credit to your team.
Be humble and acknowledge the success of the group, and you’ll earn the respect of your peers and superiors.
5. Know When Not to Talk
Understand that you don’t have to be vocal in every meeting.
When you’re in a meeting, the key is to add value to the discussion, not just to talk. And when you do add value, you must be able to speak in a way that everyone feels the impact of your thoughts.
When you’re in an open discussion situation, these five techniques will strengthen the skills you learn in toastmasters, especially your impromptu speeches.
As a result, everyone will listen to you every time you have something to say. People will also seek out your ideas and opinions when they have problems. You’ll become a well-respected member of the team, people will value your ideas, and most important, your opinions will matter.
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