Structure your answers

Answer first

When someone asks a question, give the answer in your first sentence. A long lead-in makes listeners wait and makes you sound unsure. "Yes, I've handled customer calls for two years" is better than a story that reaches the answer at the end.

Then one example

Back your answer with one short, specific example: a number, a result or a real situation. One good example is more convincing than a list of qualities.

Then close

Finish with a short closing line, or a question that moves the conversation on. On sales calls, the close is usually the next step: a time, a callback or a yes.

• Answer: one sentence.
• Example: one or two sentences.
• Close: one sentence or a question.

Keep status updates short

Managers of remote teams want quick updates: what you finished, what's next, and anything you need from them. Thirty seconds is usually enough.