7 Common Speech Patterns in Business Meetings and How to Respond

In any business setting, effective communication is paramount. However, some people make arguments that sound convincing but are actually flawed. They often put on a show of knowledge, but if you look closely, you'll see that their reasoning is weak., various speech patterns can hinder progress, foster conflict, and ultimately impact the bottom line. Recognizing these patterns early on is crucial for maintaining a productive and successful work environment.

1. "The Monkey" (漫談陳說，似有流行者) -

Spotting: This "Monkey" speech pattern is characterized by digressions, tangents, and a tendency to jump from topic to topic without a clear focus. It's like the Monkey King in Journey to the West, always mischievous and easily distracted.

• Example: "Okay, so we're talking about marketing... which reminds me of that time I saw a really cool billboard in Tokyo... and it made me think about the importance of cultural sensitivity..."
• Response: "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but perhaps we could refocus on [specific topic]. To stay on track, let's discuss [key point] first."
• Goal: Gently guide the conversation back to the main topic without shutting down the speaker entirely.

2. "The Professor" (理多端，似若博意者) -
Spotting: This "Professor" speech pattern is filled with jargon, complex theories, and an overwhelming amount of information. It's like a university professor who loves to impress with their vast knowledge, but sometimes loses the audience in the process.

• Example: "The current market dynamics exhibit a pronounced tendency towards... well, you know, a paradigm shift within the consumer segment, characterized by a heightened degree of... "
• Response: "Thank you for sharing your in-depth knowledge. To ensure everyone understands, could you summarize the key takeaways and how they relate to our current decision?"
• Goal: Encourage the speaker to translate complex information into actionable insights for the team.

3. "The Shapeshifter" (迴說合意，似若讚解者) -

Spotting: This "Shapeshifter" speech pattern avoids direct answers, uses vague language, and seems to constantly change its form to suit the audience. It's like the Transformers, always adapting and changing to fit the situation.

• Example: "That's an interesting perspective... and I certainly understand your concerns... and while there may be some challenges... we're confident that we can find a solution that will ultimately benefit everyone..."
• Response: "I appreciate your diplomatic approach, but for clarity, could you please elaborate on your specific concerns or reservations?"
• Goal: Encourage the speaker to be more direct and transparent in their communication.

4. "The Chameleon" (處後持長，從眾所安，似能聽斷者) -

Spotting: This "Chameleon" speech pattern waits for others to express their opinions and then adopts the most popular or agreeable viewpoint. It's like a chameleon, changing its color to blend in with its surroundings.

• Example: (After several colleagues express support for a particular idea) "I agree completely with what [Colleagues' Names] have said. This approach seems to be the most viable option."
• Response: "I value your input, but I'd also like to hear your own independent perspective on this matter."
• Goal: Encourage the speaker to develop and express their own unique viewpoints.

5. "The Fog" (避難不應，似若有餘，而實不知者) -

Spotting: This "Fog" speech pattern uses vague and ambiguous language to avoid giving a clear answer or addressing the issue directly. It's like being trapped in a thick fog, where everything is obscured and unclear.

• Example: "We're currently exploring various avenues and options... and we'll be sure to keep you updated on our progress in due course."
• Response: "To ensure we're all on the same page, could you please provide more specific details or examples to illustrate your point?"
• Goal: Encourage the speaker to provide concrete information and avoid vague generalizations.

6. "The Cheshire Cat" (慕通口解，似悅而不懌者) -

Spotting: This "Cheshire Cat" speech pattern is characterized by a superficial agreement while harboring underlying reservations. It's like the Cheshire Cat, smiling enigmatically while hiding its true intentions.

• Example: "Yes, that sounds like a great idea... I'm certainly open to exploring it further... although I do have a few minor concerns..."
• Response: "I understand you may have some reservations. Could you please share those openly so we can address them collectively?"
• Goal: Create a safe space for the speaker to express their concerns without feeling judged.

7. "The Gladiator" (因勝情失，窮而稱妙，跌則掎蹠，實求兩解，似理不可屈者) -

Spotting: This "Gladiator" speech pattern is driven by the need to win the argument, regardless of the facts. It's like a gladiator in the arena, fighting fiercely to emerge victorious, even if it means resorting to underhanded tactics.

• Example: "Your argument is flawed! You're completely missing the point! And besides, your data is unreliable anyway!"
• Response: "I appreciate your passion for this topic. Perhaps we can rephrase this as a question to explore different perspectives."
• Goal: De-escalate the situation and refocus the discussion on finding a mutually agreeable solution.

Key Considerations:

• Maintain a respectful and constructive tone: Avoid accusatory or confrontational language.
• Focus on the behavior, not the person: Instead of saying "You're always interrupting," try "Could you please allow others to finish their thoughts?"
• Encourage active listening: Pay close attention to what others are saying and acknowledge their perspectives.
• Model positive communication: Demonstrate the desired communication style through your own interactions.

By proactively addressing these speech patterns, you can create a more productive and enjoyable meeting environment for everyone involved.