5 Powerful Ways for Managers to Open Discussions

Just imagine how disappointed you’d be after setting up a meeting or performance discussion, only to lose your listener(s) with an opening that didn't create momentum. Anticipation of a good meeting--followed by a weak opening-- is like inviting someone for a hot air balloon ride only to find the helium tank is empty.

Here are  5 openers  that will capture your listeners' imaginations and pull them deeper into the heart of your issue.

1. Ask a Question

Opening with a question is a rhetorical device. It creates curiosity and starts the listener thinking. Thinking means active engagement with your topic, and that’s just what both of you want.

2. Share a Quote or Maybe an Anecdote

Anecdotes are brief stories that can make people laugh or quickly establish the main point at hand. A  related quote from a professional authority or well-known person can magnetically hold attention in those opening seconds.

3. Involve the Mind’s Eye

A mental image in the listener's mind is one of the most powerful things you can create, so engaging the imagination is a powerful opening technique. Use words like “imagine,” “picture this,” “do you remember when,” etc.

4. Note a Shocking Statistic

I love starting off with a fascinating fact. Why?  People enjoy fascinating data if it is unique, startling, shocking, or counter-intuitive. Be sure it is directly relevant to your point as well.

5. Use a Metaphor, Analogy, or Simile

These are some of the most powerful devices available when it comes to telling a story in a single sentence. It's a great way to capture attention and also sparks the mental imagery that allows people to tell a story to themselves.

Whether you are sitting down one-on-one or kicking off a meeting, one or more of these will create the kind of engagement that will make you "listenable" and draw others into the discussion.

Wouldn't it be great to become known as the person people want to be with, regardless of the topic?

Comments

[Mary Jo Asmus]

This is great advice, Steve. I've worked with some leaders who struggle wih how to start a discussion. Sometimes, what they consider "small talk" doesn't come easy, but your ideas on where to begin will help.

[Frode H]

Seems like you have been sneaking in on my meatings... I use my vision a lot, I always use metaphores, often a ship on a joourney with crew.

And when it comes to fascinating facts, I used to, include facts about countries you have never heard of in my morning e-mail. Hmm.. sorry to say I used to.. But it took time to find the most famous person of a country impossible to spell and it took to much time reading wikipedia. :) But people loved it.

[Steve Roesler]

Mary Jo,

Pleased to know it's helpful. I share your experience--thus the post.

The good news is that once they get started--in a meaningful way--things can roll along pretty well.

[Steve Roesler]

Frode,

Your examples highlight just how important this is. And yes, it may take some time to find a meaningful way to begin a talk or an email, but the results--as you point out--are worth it.

[Gregg Lederman]

If you haven't already, read Susan Scott's book Fierce Conversations. Great read and provides a fantastic framework for leaders and employees to lead open discussions.