Whether you’re pitching a new idea to your boss or collaborating with a client, it’s important to sound confident when discussing your big projects. Having some prepared conversation starters can help you feel more at ease and in control of the discussion. In this post, I’ll share 5 prompts you can use along with guidance on how to customize them for your specific needs.
Contents
Prompt 1: Share Your Vision
Start the conversation by painting a picture of your vision for the project. Describe what success will look like and the impact it will have. For example, you could say:
“I’m really excited about the potential for [CUSTOMIZE: name of your project/idea]. My vision is for it to [CUSTOMIZE: key goals/outcomes] and ultimately [CUSTOMIZE: overall impact/benefit].”
This gives others a sense of your passion and direction for the project without getting too bogged down in details early on. It’s a great way to start discussions on a positive, ambitious note.
Prompt 2: Highlight Your Experience
Build confidence by emphasizing relevant experience that qualifies you to take on this project. For example:
“I believe I’m well-positioned to lead this project given my past success with [CUSTOMIZE: example of similar project]. On that project I was able to [CUSTOMIZE: key achievement or skill] which I know will be invaluable here as well.”
Highlighting a related win shows you’re capable of achieving big things. It’s a subtle way to assert your competence without coming across as arrogant.
Prompt 3: Address Potential Challenges
Demonstrate your critical thinking by proactively addressing any challenges the project may face. You could say:
“I know one potential hurdle could be [CUSTOMIZE: realistic challenge, e.g. tight deadline]. However, based on my experience, I believe we can overcome this by [CUSTOMIZE: proposed solution or mitigation strategy].”
Showing you’ve anticipated obstacles builds confidence that you have the situation under control. It’s better than being blindsided by issues later on.
Prompt 4: Request Buy-In
Close the initial discussion on an engaging note by directly but tactfully requesting their participation and support. Try saying:
“I’m excited to dig into this project further with your input and support. What questions can I answer to help you feel [CUSTOMIZE: level of assurance, e.g. fully confident] in my ability to lead this initiative?”
Asking for buy-in gets them invested while also providing an opportunity to address any lingering concerns. It’s a great way to move the conversation forward.
Prompt 5: Follow Up After the Meeting
To end on an enthusiastic note, close with a follow up action item. You might say:
“Thank you for your time today. I’ll send over a [CUSTOMIZE: proposed next step, e.g. high-level project plan/timeline] by [CUSTOMIZE: date] for your review. Please let me know if any additional information would be helpful as we get this process started.”
Proactively following up in this way shows initiative, drives the project forward and keeps your confidence top of mind after the initial discussion concludes.
I hope these prompts provide a useful starting point to help you sound more confident in pitching and discussing your next big project. Remember to customize the text within the brackets to best suit your specific needs and situation. With practice, you’ll be able to deliver these conversation starters with even more assurance.
FAQs
How do I customize the prompts for my specific needs?
The prompts contain text in brackets [ ] that you should replace with details about your unique project, goals, experiences, challenges etc. Tailor the language and examples to best represent your situation.
What if I’m not very experienced – can I still use these prompts?
Yes, even if you’re earlier in your career, these prompts can help you articulate your vision with confidence. Focus prompt 2 on relevant skills rather than past projects. You can also emphasize in prompt 1 how excited you are to take on this new opportunity for growth. Experience matters less if your passion and ambition come through clearly.
Leon Torres is a data scientist and AI prompt expert dedicated to simplifying complex AI concepts for everyday users. With a background in computer science and a passion for innovation, Leon provides valuable tips and tricks for leveraging AI prompts to maximize productivity and creativity. Leon’s articles are a go-to resource for anyone looking to dive into the world of AI.