How to talk about issues tip 7 - Say if an action is needed

When you tell someone about a problem, say upfront if they need to do something. Without a clear ask, people slip into passive mode and don't prepare to act. Use direct phrases like "I need your help" or "You must do X" in the first few sentences.
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How to talk about project issues. Tip number 7, say if an action is needed. When we talk about issues, the people that we're talking to may think that they're just receiving an update and hearing about a problem. But if you need them to take action, if you need someone to do something, make sure you say that and you make it clear early when you're talking about the issue. If you don't do this, the audience may just be on receive mode. They may be thinking that they're hearing about a problem, but they don't need to do anything. Our brains actually process information differently when we are being asked to do something or when we are just listening to someone tell us something. And so if you want people to really focus and pay attention and then take the action, you need to let them know that an action is needed. How do you do this? Say it in the first couple of lines of talking about the issue. Say, hi, I need to tell you about a problem. I, I want you to do something after this, or I need your help. I would like your advice, or there's something you must do. Whatever you say, say it early when you're talking about the issues and your audience will be better focused and they will know that they have an action they need to take. So when you are talking about project issues, make sure you make it clear if there is an action to be taken.
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