| What they said | What they meant |
|---|---|
| "You're directionally correct" | You're essentially wrong |
| "That was a good start" | Now start over |
| "I don't disagree" | I disagree, wrapped in a thick, obfuscating blanket of double negativity |
| "I agree with everything you just said" | Except for your most important point, and I will indicate my disagreement through what I say next |
| "Could you repeat that" | I wasn't listening |
| "Could you rephrase the question" | I've been surreptitiously checking social media for the last 20 minutes |
| "That's a fair point" | Now let me make a fairer one |
| "Let's explore the logic on that" | You're wrong, and I’ll need to see ten pages that tell me why I am wrong before I change my mind |
| "Sorry for interrupting" | I wish I had cut you off sooner |
| "That was interesting" | That was a dumb idea, and I am changing the subject |
| "This will be quick" | I have nothing to say, because I'm not prepared |
| "It would be great if you could..." | Do what I'm about to tell you or else |
I’m a management consultant and writer serving organizations both large (Fortune 500) and small (nonprofit) on a range of strategic issues
Business talk decoded
Posted on December 7, 2016
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