Talking to Decision Makers: What to Say and How to Say it

Managers are busy. They have too many things to do and not enough time to do them. When they come to work, they have their time planned out. When one of their employees requests a meeting, the manager expects the employee to explain the issue succinctly and what the manager needs to do. Employees who can describe the issue in 30 seconds or less are considered assets to an organization and get rewarded with promotions and outstanding performance reviews.

During a high-energy, interactive session, Nancy Singer, adjunct professor at University of Southern California, will demonstrate how to prepare and describe an issue in 30 seconds using the “What”, “So what,” and “Now what” pattern. She will also explain how to respond to a manager’s probing questions. After the formal presentation, attendees will be divided into teams with two other participants, provided case studies, and given the opportunity to apply the concepts.

Upon the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to:
* Identify traits that decomstrate credibility
* Recognize the importance of being able to succinctly present an issue