You've Got 8 Seconds: Communication Secrets for a Distracted World

by Paul Hellman

“If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever . . . Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time—a tremendous whack!” —WINSTON CHURCHILL

When I work with business leaders, they’re often surprised to discover a basic truth: You can act confident without feeling confident. And if you act confident enough times, eventually the feeling will show up.

The law of agreement, applied to work, means to first greet an idea, criticism, or question with something positive. You could say, “Here’s what I like about that,” or “here’s what your idea makes me think about.” Then state your concerns.