9 Communication Tips for Project Managers from Winter 2025
Use these tips and the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram for your big presentations
Communicating with FINESSE provides a helpful communication tip each week. Each stand-alone tip to less than 300 words with the hope you find usefulness in its brevity. These are helpful communication tips from late December, January, and February 2025.
Summary of Tips from Winter 2025
Please see the provided link for the entire tip.
Are You Focused on the Three Act Structure in Your Big Presentations?
Every written or verbal communication needs a structure. The three-act structure stands the test of time. It is also a straightforward and extremely efficient structure for your big presentations.
Why You Should Talk to Every Board Member the Same Way — And How to Do It
When you communicate evenly, you foster collaboration and show respect for the collective wisdom in the room. And when board members feel included, they’re more likely to support you. If you want the board’s approval, speak to all of them, not just some of them.
Why Ask Simple Questions to Gain Better Insights
Simple questions are powerful tools for gauging opinions, managing the group, and developing recommendations based on the herd’s movement. Avoid making initial statements and instead ask simple questions.
Swap “You” for “We” to Build Trust with Decision Makers
So, the next time you present to a room full of executives, do a quick mental check. Swap “you” for “we,” and watch how it transforms the conversation. It’s a simple tweak that makes you a technical expert and a trusted collaborator.
How the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram Helps Technical Professionals and Project Managers
Technical professionals and project managers often face the challenge of communicating complex information to diverse stakeholders. FINESSE offers a practical framework to simplify this process, making your communication clear, impactful, and actionable.
From Wildfires to Hurricanes: Three Indicators of a Rare Event
We instinctively know to treat rare events differently. Despite its power to overcome the complexities and uncertainties of big decisions, FINESSE is not an approach during or immediately after a rare event. Consult resources at agencies like FEMA and CDC for an appropriate approach.
Ask a Question — Avoid Making a Statement
The next time you feel inclined to make a statement, try turning it into a question instead. This can lead to a greater understanding of the feedback you receive. It encourages others to appreciate your presence because it shows that you prioritize their needs over yours.
Discover the Power of Canva for Stunning Visual Designs
Visual communication quality directly affects your credibility. Using a professional design tool should not be considered optional. Market leader Canva is my go-to resource, and it costs under $150 per year.
Why Grammarly is Essential for Effective Writing & Communication
Using an online editing tool should not be considered optional-it is necessary. As the market leader, Grammarly provides a complete tool for under $150 per year.
Tips Align with the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram
Remember, all the tips in the world will not make you effective without an overarching approach. The FINESSE fishbone diagram is such an approach, especially for big decisions with elevated complexity and uncertainties. Our different tips align with a bone and fin in the FINESSE fishbone diagram.
The elements of the FINESSE fishbone diagram® are Frame, Illustrate, Noise reduction, Empathy, Structure, Synergy, and Ethics. Communicating with FINESSE is the not-for-profit community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Visit our Tackle Shop for communication and facilitation resources. Join the community for free.
