Speaking in a meeting: the first contribution

You lead with what the other side needs, then what you need. Emotion stays with you; facts and options go across the table.

Task: A room of senior people and I hesitate to speak.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - the agenda and my role
   - information I hold
   - what I want to move
   - timing
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- first contribution: one fact or one question
- open with 'on my side' rather than 'I feel'
- write the sentence down beforehand
- add information, do not evaluate others

[Process]
1. Read their situation and pressure first
2. Turn feeling into facts and impact
3. Offer a cheap way to respond
4. State the ask and the date
5. Check whether you decided for them

[Output]
One conclusion, facts, the ask, the date. Nothing long.

[Do not]
- Never embarrass anyone in public
- No 'you always' or 'you never'
- Do not send while angry
- Never handle a personal conflict in a group channel