Page 170 - How To Sell Yourself

Selling Yourself in Meetings 169
• Above all, don’t finish other people’s sentences—no matter how slowly or deliberately they speak.
• Ask questions.
• Be sure you understand what’s just been said, and make
sure the group understands what you’re saying.
If you’re open and honest and put into practice all the other rules and techniques of good communication, you’ll encourage everyone else in the group to do the same. As the leader of a meeting, or as a participant when it’s your turn to speak, remem- ber that you’re the spark plug that keeps the engine running and the meeting on course toward its desired destination.
A friend gave me a wonderful thought to share with you: “Maybe there’s no spark in the organization if there’s no spark in the meeting.”
12 step guide to make your next meeting a success
Step 1: If there’s no important
information to exchange, don’t hold a meeting.
If this is the only rule we follow, we’ll be ahead of the game. But we can (and should) do a lot more to turn meetings from wastes of time into productive time.
Step 2: Help attendees be prepared.
You’ll improve the quality of your meeting, and reduce the odds of needing a follow-up session, by encouraging everyone to come prepared. They should know the subject of the meeting and exactly what’s expected of them.
Will this be a one-sided transfer of information or an exchange of information? Will attendees be expected to just listen and ab- sorb, or will they be asked to contribute knowledge and ideas? They should know up front. The best communicators are even better when they’ve had a chance to prepare a clear, concise presentation.
Step 3: Check the meeting site early.
You or another problem-solver should arrive early to check the physical set-up. You’ll want a checklist of items that must be