Move decisions forward by talking in metrics that matter
Jacqueline Twillie September 23, 2025
Speak So Executives Listen
Speak So Executives Listen
Move decisions forward by talking in metrics that matter
Executives do not care how busy you are. They care about the numbers that move the business. This may seem harsh, but if you want a promotion, a raise, or more responsibility, you have to focus on the business. And that is not a bad thing.
I have seen the contrast up close. Two managers, both smart and capable, presented on similar topics. One walked through every detail of the team's activity. Attention drifted within minutes. The other opened with revenue impact and retention numbers. Questions followed, approval followed, next steps followed. The difference was not talent. It was how they talked.
A framework for speaking in metrics
When I teach negotiation and communication, I use the L.A.T.T.E. framework:
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Look: clarify the single business objective that matters most right now
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Anticipate: surface likely objections and constraints before you walk in
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Think: align your options to the company's goals and risk tolerance
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Talk: speak in the metrics leaders track and use open ended questions to close gaps
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Evaluate: debrief within twenty four hours and capture what resonated
For this article, let's zero in on Talk. Talk is the stage where your words either cut through or create noise.
Executives want clarity tied to the metrics they already care about. If you are not sure which ones matter most, ask an open ended question like:
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"When you review updates, which numbers confirm that we are on track?"
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"If we could move one metric in the next ninety days, which one matters most?"
Power phrases and templates
Scenario
Template
Revenue impact
"For [time period], our [initiative] is projected to raise [metric] from [current] to [target] and add [dollar impact] within [timeframe]."
Retention and engagement
"Since [action], [behavior metric] is up or down [number percent] and [retention metric] is [value], which supports [priority]."
Put it to work this week
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Replace one detail heavy update with a metric led sentence
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Ask one open ended question to verify which number matters most
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Close with a clear next step and a near term milestone you can report within ninety days
Join the Live Class
Wednesday, September 24 at 12:30 PM Eastern Ask questions about this framework directly with Jacqueline
