Struggling to Get to the Point in Meetings? Here's How I Learned the Hard Way

Have you ever found yourself rambling in a meeting, only to realize halfway through that no one knows what you’re talking about?

I have, and it wasn’t pretty.

Back in 1993, at the age of 23, I was working for a large manufacturing company. During a meeting with my colleagues and managers, I began explaining something and just kept going. And going. And going.

Suddenly, my manager, who was not exactly known for his patience, interrupted me mid-sentence and said: “Get to the bottom line!”

I froze. I had no idea what he meant. My face went red, my mind went blank, and I sat there in complete silence, wishing the conference table would swallow me whole.

Fast-forward 30 years, and now? I’ve become a “bottom-line” person myself. I focus on clarity, brevity, and ensuring my message lands effectively. And trust me, learning this skill changed the way I communicate, both verbally and in writing.

5 Tips to Get to the Point in Meetings

1. Plan before you speak.
Jot down the key points or phrases you want to cover so you stay focused.

2. Take notes during meetings.
Capturing what’s discussed helps you articulate your thoughts more effectively when it’s your turn to speak.

3. Ask clarifying questions.
If something’s unclear, speak up. It keeps the conversation on track and avoids unnecessary tangents.

4. Avoid rambling.
Stick to the main idea and leave the backstory for later if it’s truly needed.

5. Follow up in writing.
Before ending the meeting, review the next steps and action items. If extra details are required, send a short, structured email afterward, using bullet points rather than long paragraphs.

Bottom Line

Clarity isn’t just a skill, it’s a superpower. The more concise and focused you are, the more confident and credible you’ll sound.

Give it a try and see the difference. Go for it!