The Impact Test

Owning the room is not about talking the most. It is about making the contributions that shape where the conversation goes.

Here is the filter that makes that possible. Before you open your mouth, ask one question: will this change the course of the discussion? If yes, say it. If no, keep listening.

That is the impact test, and it is harsh on purpose. Most of what we feel like saying is reaction, not direction. Cutting it forces every word you do offer to actually move things.