Changing language starts a new practice.
Free practice · about 10 minutes
The one-minute brief.
One recommendation. A reason that matters. A next action your listener can name.
Suggested activity. Adapt the time and language to your learners.
One step at a time
5 steps · go at your own pace
One step at a time
No recording or saved progress. Start again whenever you like.
2 min
Choose your listener
Use this fictional scenario: a team is considering a short weekly check-in. Choose a listener, such as a team lead or project partner. Decide what they need to understand or do. Keep real customer, personnel and confidential company details out of the practice.
2 min
Build the brief
Write three short lines: the recommendation, one reason it matters to this listener, and the next action you want to discuss. You might propose a short trial of the check-in. State assumptions as assumptions; do not invent evidence or results.
1 min
Say it in one minute
Explain the recommendation, reason and next action aloud in about 45–60 seconds. Use the notes if helpful. Leave out background that the listener does not need for this decision. Finish with a specific question rather than trailing off.
2 min
Check what came through
The listener says what they understood the recommendation and reason to be, then names the requested next action. Ask one question about anything missing. Focus on the explanation, not the speaker’s personality or accent.
3 min
Make one change and retry
Choose one unclear part to improve: a more direct opening, a concrete reason or a clearer request. Give a second short version and ask the listener what changed. If time allows, swap roles. Finish by naming one choice to use in your next rehearsal.
Prompts to remember
Recommendation. Reason. Request.
“I recommend…”“This matters to you because…”“The next step I would like to discuss is…”
Prompts are starting points. The speaker can use their own words.
For the listener
Name the recommendation, the reason and the next action in your own words. If one is unclear, ask a precise question. Feedback is about what the listener understood; it is not a prediction of approval or business success.
Try: “I heard that you want to try a weekly check-in. What decision would you like the team lead to make today?”
Keep the next change small. Speaking again should feel achievable.
One thing I will try next time
Say it aloud or write a few words here.