pitching-idea-david

Pitching Your Idea

with David Miller - Senior Analyst, The Skeptical Veteran
Challenging~30 min5 goalsWorkplace Communication

Convince a skeptical veteran analyst to support your new initiative

SCENARIO

You need to get buy-in from David Miller, a senior analyst who has been with the company for 15 years. He's known for being resistant to change and will likely challenge your proposal with tough questions.

Objectives

  • Present your idea convincingly with data and logic
  • Respect David's experience and expertise
  • Address his concerns and objections thoroughly

Skills you'll practice

PersuasionStakeholder managementData-driven argumentsRespect for experience

How you'll be evaluated

COMMUNICATION

  • Data-backed arguments
  • Respectful tone
  • Acknowledging expertise

PROBLEM SOLVING

  • Addressing objections
  • Risk mitigation
  • Practical solutions

EMOTIONAL

  • Patience with resistance
  • Respect for experience
  • Collaborative approach

Conversation goals

Work through these in roughly this order during the session.
  1. Goal 1

    Respectful Opening and Context Setting

    Start by acknowledging David's expertise and experience before presenting your idea

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Acknowledge his experience
    • Show respect for his expertise
    • Set collaborative tone

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • David shows initial willingness to listen
    • His defensive posture softens slightly
    • He asks clarifying questions
  2. Goal 2

    Data-Driven Presentation

    Present your idea with solid data, research, and logical reasoning that appeals to David's analytical nature

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Present clear data
    • Use logical structure
    • Reference industry standards

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • David asks for more details
    • He challenges specific points constructively
    • His questions become more engaged
  3. Goal 3

    Addressing Skepticism

    Proactively address David's concerns and objections with patience and additional evidence

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Listen to objections carefully
    • Provide thoughtful responses
    • Acknowledge valid concerns

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • David's objections become more specific
    • He starts suggesting modifications
    • His tone becomes less dismissive
  4. Goal 4

    Incorporating His Expertise

    Ask for his input and show how his experience could strengthen the proposal

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Ask for his insights
    • Incorporate his suggestions
    • Value his institutional knowledge

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • David begins contributing ideas
    • He shares relevant historical context
    • His body language opens up
  5. Goal 5

    Collaborative Next Steps

    Work together to define next steps and get his support for moving forward

    KEY BEHAVIORS

    • Propose pilot approach
    • Ask for his ongoing involvement
    • Define success metrics together

    WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

    • David agrees to support or trial
    • He offers to help with implementation
    • Conversation ends with mutual respect
#persuasion#stakeholder#data#resistance