A client just phoned to give me his feedback on a morning call he spoke on. His turn to report came at the end of an already long call. He felt the restlessness over the lines...everyone was pressed for time. We'd prepared him well, so he was able to get through it but I could hear the disappointment in his voice.
All of that work seemed not to have paid off. His colleagues had to get back to their days and they'd run out of time. What to do?
If this happens to you, the best thing is to first slow down your breathing. Resist the impulse to fidget and focus instead on getting your breathing under control. The rest of the body has to follow the breath. Then focus on your message, and what you feel they absolutely must know before hanging up.
You can acknowledge the lateness of the hour, but don't give into it by rushing your speaking or chopping ideas away from the message. It's like trying to fit a pint and a half into a pint jar.
Keep your voice to a slightly slower than usual pace, to send the message that you're in control and what you have to say matters. Then take a moment to breath, set your intention, and re-adjust the points that you want to make.
You have the power to turn a thankless situation into one to your advantage, and people will notice you for it.
