How to make your point
without overexplaining.
You don’t need to say everything you know. You need to make the next decision easier.
Your expertise deserves a clearer structure.
You enter the meeting prepared. You know the history, the risks and the options. So you start there. By the time you reach your recommendation, someone has already asked, “What do you need from us?”
The answer isn’t to remove every detail. It’s to change the order. Start with the decision, support it with the most relevant reason, and make your ask explicit.
Put the recommendation first.
“We’ve been looking at the testing results, and there are a few things we still need to work through…”
“I recommend delaying the launch by one week. It gives us time to fix the payment issue. Can we agree that today?”
Pause before adding more.
A clear opening gives the room something to respond to. Answer the questions that follow with the evidence they need. For complex decisions, bring the supporting detail—just don’t make everyone search through it for your point.
Practise before the next meeting.
Write your recommendation, one reason and your ask. Say them aloud. If the decision is still unclear, rewrite the first sentence.
Use the Executive Message Planner to prepare. For guided practice and feedback, explore Amara’s Speak with Impact programme.