Is this thing on?

When your contributions at work fall flat.

Sometimes, during a meeting or conversation, you say something perfectly valid, useful, and legitimate and it's met with silence. Or worse, it's ignored & then someone says pretty much the same thing a few minutes later and gets a warm reception. Why is that? Well, here are our observations:

1. Framing - Is my message understandable to the audience?

2. Timing - Does my point flow naturally in the conversation?

3. Purpose - Is the purpose of my contribution clear?

4. Positioning - Is my angle clear?

Let's explore these further:

1. Framing - your comments may not have been framed in a way that is directly tied to the unfolding conversation - you know what you mean but not everyone else does. Everyone is coming from different perspectives and contexts - that means people sometimes aren't following what you mean. Not to mention probably 1/2 the room being distracted, to begin with. Try and add a few words to round out why you're adding your comment as you start or end speaking.
   

2. Timing - even though your comment may be perfectly suited to the discussion, your timing may not be. To avoid adding a comment without any flow or cadence, simply reference the person who spoke last and add your comments 'to build' on the previous speaker's point or draw attention to an earlier point. Bonus points if you can create shine through shout-outs for those who also don't get recognized enough or regularly have their contributions ignored.
   

3. Purpose - what are you trying to achieve with your contribution? To be a contributor, to create an action, to offer expertise? Consider offering a specific purpose as to why you're saying what you're saying - remember, don't assume anyone is following along at the same speed or perspective you are.
   

4. Positioning - this is a tricky one because hierarchy is stifling yet the accountabilities and titles at some tables become a weighing scale for contributions. Are you the decision maker? Are you the doer? Are you a thought leader? Are you offering previous experience and insights? Make it clear.

Let's pull this all together - make an effort to frame what you're saying to bring the audience along with you, build on previous points so your comment is part of the flow, and make your contribution clear and purposeful so the room (virtual or otherwise) knows what to do with it and add some rationale as to the role you play and why it matters. If you have something to add, speak up and try these pg tips to help your thoughts land confidently.

Let us know how you do - you got this.