Specific tactics for communicating effectively.

1. Hacks for Being Heard
Cindy Alvarez
Director of User Experience, Yammer
@cindyalvarez

2. Problem:
No space for you

3. Use your stuff

4. Problem:
Talking too fast

5. Breathe
between each sentence

6. Problem:
No chance to speak up

7. Speak & Stall
“Let me think about that
for a sec—”

8. Problem:
Someone steals your idea

9. Point out & Expand
“Yes, that’s what I said
earlier. I also think…”

10. Problem:
Your idea gets dismissed

11. Demand a Reason
“Can you explain why my
idea won’t work?”

12. Problem:
No one gives a reason

13. Demand Alternatives
“Then what should we
do instead?”
(If you don’t have a concrete
idea, we should use mine.)

14. Problem:
You lack experience/expertise

15. Provide a “why”
“We should try this,
and here’s why…”

16. Problem:
Is my work being valued?

17. State your plan
“I am going to do X and
Y. Is there anything
higher priority I should
be doing instead?”

18. Problem:
Am I getting credit for my work?

19. Summarize
results“I did X and Y, to solve Z
problem. Do you have
any other suggestions?”