How Gen. Colin POWELL projects CERTAINTY when he communicates

In my One-on-One Leadership communication training work, the most bang-for-time activity is drilling the

Message, Flesh-out the message, Repeat the message (MFR) schema.

The schema has many applications; from introducing yourself at a networking function, to delivering a boardroom pitch, to giving a message to a colleague in your office. Using the schema well, will help you communicate your ideas and vision with confidence and certainty.

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GENERAL C. Powell’s BEST under-PRESSURE techniques

Colin Powell, former United States four star general and Secretary of State, lists 15 lessons on handling the media on pages 132-133 of his book, It worked for me. He shared these Lessons with a person named Cal, whom he was mentoring.

Many of the techniques can be applied to other-under pressure situations.

Media handling techniques:

  1. They get to pick the questions. You get to the pick the answers.
  2. You don’t have to answer any question you don’t want to.
  3. Never lie or dissemble, of course; but beware of being too candid or open.
  4. Never answer hypothetical questions about the future.
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