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Wallisch Session Review

Communication Under Pressure

Presentations Checklist

Presentation Dynamics

Audio Visual Setup

Communication Bibliography

Where’s Bill?

 

Wallisch Session: A Quick Review

 

Bill’s first words:

“Put Your Main Point Up Front”

  • Recommendation

  • Conclusion

  • Summary

  • Request

  • Solution

Why? Because it will save valuable time for you and your 

associates . . . to get to the point quickly:

  • Shorten Your Meetings

  • Save Time in Conversations

  • Write Short Messages & E-mails

  • Send Short, Clear AUDIX Messages

  • Have Dynamite Hallway Conversations

  • Get Decisions Made & Get Closure

Unfortunately, the point is usually last. Put it up front:

  • Request

  • Solution

And remember, General Mills Chairman Steve Sanger told 

Bill he thought the most important step here was “Audience 

Analysis.”

The key is to know your audience, then send a crisp message that will hit the target. Not terse, abrupt, rude, or sarcastic, but messages that are absolutely tailored from one caring colleague to another.

 

Remember the NASA astronaut example?

Jim, do you—

  • Have a plan?

  • Is it working?

  • Are you ahead or behind?

That’s the kind of robust communication you should shoot for!

Remember how Bill defined real information?

  • Relieves 

  • Anxiety

  • Prompts a Decision

  • Creates Consensus

  • Grabs Attention

And remember to be good listeners.

  • Don't Interrupt

  • Reinforce Speakers With Positive Nonverbals

  • Give Speakers Your Full Attention

  • Look Them in the Eye

  • Repeat their Messages Back when they’re Totally Finished!                                          

To Sum Up, the model is as simple as the clear 

messages it produces:

  • Put your main point up front. 

  • Analyze your audience so they get the point and pay attention. 

  • Don’t deliver the message if it isn’t going to get something done. Try to say it in seven minutes or less. 

  • Match your words with visuals that clearly support what you’re saying. 

  • And deliver the message in a conversational style that includes positive body language. 

  • When you finish, be prepared to answer questions. 

  • Then sit down.

 

Here are some of Bill’s presentation visuals that will help you put together great messages.

 

Finally, hold a communication team meeting. Ask yourselves questions like these:

  • Are we getting to the point?

  • Are our meetings getting shorter?

  • Do we have E-mail under control?

  • Do we listen well?

  • Are we clogging our communication channels with long messages that delay the point?

What a pleasure to work with your team!

--BW

 

Last modified: October 18, 2003

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