Monday, July 17, 2006
10 Dreaded Conversations
I love my clients I really do...but I often shudder with dread when they start the conversation with one of the following:
1. Let's write up an outline and circulate it to department heads for their comment.
2. I want a funny speech. Could you give me a few jokes to start with.
3. You won't be able to meet the speaker. But here are the Power Point slides he used last time. Could you write a speech around them.
4. We only need three minutes or so; it shouldn't take you very long.
5. You want how much?
6. Could we have it by tomorrow at 9 am?
7. We are not sure what message the speaker wants to give. We are just going to sort of wing it and let him plug that in at the last minute.
8. He/she gives the same speech every year. All you have to do is plug in new data/numbers.
9. We want two speeches. One saying "yes". The other saying "no". Relates to number 7.
10. We are very glad to have you on board but we don't really want anyone in the company/agency to know we are going with an outside contractor. Even though we need you to talk to some of our people to get input, could you sort of keep it quiet you are writing the boss' speech?
