Cheat-Sheet: Talking during CTA review board presentation & Q&A

Posted byjohanngilibconsulting

Disclaimer:

  • All suggestions here are a rule of thumb. Feel free to find your own rules.
  • Only use sentences you feel comfortable with.
  • My personal opinion, no guarantee for correctness

General rules:

  • 30 – 60 Seconds per explanation answer
  • Between 8 -14 words per sentence
  • Only take about something you are sure about.
  • No bullshit or empty answers
  • If you explain for more than 60 seconds your solution/answer is likely to complicated and/or wrong
  • Clearly state your assumptions.
  • Keep your cool, take your time.
  • Practice, practice, practice.

Solution sentence structure:

  • Problem, Recommendation/Decision Justification, [Assumption, Alternatives with Implications]
  • Why, How, What
  •  “For [requirement], is the optimal solution [solution components] given the following considerations [considerations].” Alternatives Web-To-Lead considered but limitations …
  • For the [requirement] of I plan to use [solution] because [justification]. I considered [alternatives]

Question sentence structure:

  • “Your question is [refresh] and you would like me to [intention] (e.g. “describe alternative options for the proposed solution)”. 
    •  “For [requirement], is the optimal solution [solution components] given the following considerations [considerations].” Alternatives Web-To-Lead considered but limitations …
  • In order to improve [intention] you ask me to describe [refresh]. [Explanation]
    • In order to improve security, you ask me to explain two SSL.
  • [Answer] Does this answer your question?
  • Thank you very much for the question.
  • Can you please point me to the requirement you have in mind?

Correct mistake sentence structure:

  • On a second thought I realized my mistake [mistake]. The reason is that. Therefore, I also need to change [implications].
  • There’s also the possibility to go with other option. This option is [option]. Compared to the original one it´s better suited to requirements because [justification].
  • Thank you for pointing out [requirement]. I realize my mistake and change my solution to [solution, considerations, implications]

How to say “I don’t know”

There will be several situations where you don’t know the answer. Be prepared to say “I don’t know”. Make sure you practice “I don’t know” with your study partner.

  • I don’t know.
  • I cannot add anything additional here.
  • Can we park that question for later please?
  • Can we please move on to a different topic?