My genius friend has the best way of dealing with people who bring dumb, nonsensical or useless ideas to her. She just says, “Tell me more” and then watches them tie themselves into knots trying to add depth and justification to an idea when there’s none there in the first place.
I could not love this more. For two reasons. First, my friend looks gracious, interested, helpful. She can simply smile and wait. She doesn’t ever have to say, “That’s a terrible idea and here’s why.” No one can paint her as the obstructionist bad guy. Second, this response gives the person a chance to see for themselves that their big idea is a mirage.
OR, if someone does have a real nugget of insight, asking “Tell me more” can be an invitation. As my friend listens, she might hear another perspective/solution she might not have considered. Win win!
There are always amazing ways to not say words and still achieve what you want. Master communicators know that less can be a lot more.
Not sure how to crush your next presentation? Navigate tough questions? Need some pragmatic, actionable communications advice? Consider Office Hours with Lisa, a great way to get bite-sized, personalized coaching. And there are tons of resources in poseycorp’s newsletter – subscribe here. Get some skills! Because it’s the great communicators who create the change they want to see in the world!
