Meetings – It's Not What You Say, But How They Hear It
- Nov 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Written by: Lauren Hirsch Williams, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Ah, the illustrious world of meetings. If you've waded through the murky waters of entrepreneurship long enough, you'll know that meetings are simultaneously the bane of your existence and the lifeblood of progress.
Let's be honest: We've all been trapped in a meeting thinking about what's for lunch or pondering if our plant needs watering. Yet, we persist, a calendar filled with back-to-back appointments.
But let's address the real problem: What truly matters for a successful meeting? Is it your perfectly rehearsed speech? Your painstakingly curated PowerPoint slides? No, dear reader. The real magic lies in how people receive and process the information you share.
During my old days of corporate business interactions, I had the misfortune of attending a high-level meeting (the details of which I shall keep anonymous to save some blushes). The presenter, let's call him Mr. Monotone, unleashed an onslaught of statistics, facts, and charts with the enthusiasm of a sloth on tranquilizers. The audience? A sea of glazed eyes – mine included, surreptitious smartphone checking, and stifled yawns. The message, no matter how important, was lost in translation.
Contrast that with another meeting I attended. This presenter, let's name her Ms. Vibrant, had the room hanging on her every word. The content? Not vastly different from Mr. Monotone's. The delivery? Chalk and cheese. People not only heard Ms. Vibrant but truly listened. They processed, they engaged, they remembered. And that, dear entrepreneurs, is the crux.
In an age of information overload, attention is a scarce commodity. You may have groundbreaking ideas, revolutionary products, or game-changing strategies. But unless you can ensure your audience receives and processes your message, you might as well be speaking to the wall.
As seasoned executives, our time is precious. Ensuring every meeting has an impact isn't just good manners; it's good business.
There is a nuanced art for being heard the way you want to be heard. Here are some ways to start:
Understand Your Audience's Context: Remember, everyone walks into a meeting with their own set of worries, distractions, and priorities. Understanding their mindset is half the battle won. Are they worried about quarterly numbers? Are they facing an internal challenge? Tailor your message to resonate within their current context as best you can find out before the meeting.
Embrace the Power of Storytelling: Data is essential, but stories are memorable. Instead of bombarding your audience with numbers, wrap them in a narrative. Make it relatable, inject some humor, and watch as your message sticks.
Encourage Interaction: No one likes being talked at. Encourage questions, discussions, and debates. This not only ensures engagement but also helps in immediate feedback.
Eliminate Distractions: This doesn't just mean turning off phones. It means structuring your message in a way that's clear, concise, and compelling. Avoid tangents, stay on track, and always return to your primary message.
Reflect and Refine: After a meeting – as I always recommend – solicit feedback. Was your message clear? What resonated most? Use this intel to refine your approach for the next meeting.
Meetings are not just about talking; they're about harmonizing your message with the receptive frequency of your audience. It's a dance – one where you lead, but always in sync with your partner.
In the business realm, it's not about being the loudest in the room but the most effective. Take the steps mentioned, practice them, refine them, and watch as your meetings transform from obligatory calendar entries to power-packed progress sessions.
Remember, in the business world, it's not just about making noise; it's about making music.
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Lauren Hirsch Williams, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lauren Hirsch Williams is a Business Relevance Strategist, Pitch Stylist, International Bestselling Author, and Award-Winning Screenwriter. With decades of experience, which includes Worldwide Director of Advertising at PepsiCo, Founder of MovieHatch, and Creator of the new MyTurn TV Network for empowering women, she’s been on all sides of the “table”. She teaches others to find their inner strength by using their senses in an uncommon way. Her recent bestseller, ONE SENSE AHEAD, explains the protocol to start that process.
