So, you are in a meeting with your boss, your bosses boss, and a bunch of company bigwigs happen to be in the room. The last career-ending move you want is to blather on when asked about your most recent project, opinion, or your sales numbers. Your boss turns to you and says, "What's your growth plan for second quarter?" You knew this was coming, but alas, you aren't completely prepared with exactly what to say, even though you have good news to share.

You quickly look around the room and realize that your bosses boss has the attention span of a toddler. Worse yet, his temper can quickly flare up as quickly as a toddler's. You'd better make this short. Instead, it's as if the demon-salesperson has now taken hold of your tongue. You begin to talk, and talk, and talk, ALL about your second quarter's forecast. Now you observe a wrinkle in his forehead. He reaches for his Blackberry which was quietly sitting in front of him on the table, he looks down and begins to tap...

 You're screwed and you know it. Why didn't you just SHUT UP? Because you never learned how.

If this scenario sounds familiar, take a look at the three step formula to keep your feet out of your mouth. This process will work during internal meetings, in sales calls, and even at networking functions. Read on for the steps and practice them today. So, let's rewind the tape...

Your boss asks you to review your second quarter plan. You pause and look directly at him and say: "George, I'm glad you asked about my forecast for second quarter. There are THREE main strategies I'm employing for generating business and growth.

"First, I'm contacting everyone who attended last month's trade show to follow up on those leads.

Second, I am following up with existing customers in my territory to alert them to our new service agreement , converting 80% of those accounts.

Third, I am going to close the two largest accounts where there is 400k worth of business pending.

And that's how I'm going to beat my numbers in second quarter, George."

Now, instead of rambling on and on, you look and sound like a professional, who is prepared to speak intelligently in front of a group. Your boss was kept from embarrassment. Your bosses boss left his Blackberry on the table, and best of all, you have now made another career-advancing move!

 Not only does this three-part technique work internally, you can use it with customers, too. For example, a prospect says: "Lyndsey, what does your company do differently from your competition?"

Instead of quoting your entire website verbatim, you can use the "three main points" technique. "Glad you asked, Ralph. First we..., second we..., and lastly our customers like that we..." When you are done with the third point, ask a check-in question. Such as, "What do you think of that, Ralph?" He'll most probably have a question for you!

I have one more example for you to consider and it happened to me just last week. Attending a networking breakfast, I met a high net worth financial guru. He asked what I did, wrinkled his forehead suspiciously, and said, "Renee, what is the ONE most effective phone tip you can share with me right now."

Practicing what I preach, I said: "Well, Dave, there are actually three tips. First, stop multitasking while on the phone so you can concentrate on your clients. They hear it in your voice. Second, match the clients' personality style so he/she will call you back. Third, leave a quick message that creates intrigue." He smiled, pointed a finger at me and said, "Renee, make sure you call me next Thursday!"

Try this technique today and for the rest of this week. Then, email me and let me know how it's working for you. Good luck and happy selling!