Left-brained people are linear and sequential, focus on literal meanings of words, like logic and reason, and often score low on ‘reading’ nonverbal communication such as gestures and expressions.

P.S. We’re both a little of both, and to get into “whole brain thinking,” develop your Emotional Intelligence. Go here: http://www.ipn.at/ipn.asp?BHX to take a free online Brain Dominance Test.

1.Give A reason (one will do), and answer direct question.

SAY: “No I haven’t completed Pleading. I had to file Motion to Compel first. It had priority.” DO NOT SAY: “I was too busy,” “I had too much to do,” or “I had to do something else.” (anticipate - “Did you or did you not, and if not, why not?”)

2.Quantify and avoid vague references to time and money. Do not use words like “something,” “stuff,” “a long time.” Avoid ‘superfluous’ adjectives’.

SAY: “It will take 4 days to get your shirt back from dry cleaners. If I take it in today, you won’t get it back in time for your trip on Friday.” DON’T SAY: “Don’t ask me to do stuff like that. It would take waaaaay too long.”

SAY: “This machine will cost you no more than $100 and no less than $50.” DO NOT SAY: “It’ll cost a lot,” or “We can’t afford that.”

3.Be serious. Avoid humor, sarcasm, double intendre or anything ambivalent or ambiguous.

SAY: “I will have that for you by 5:00 this afternoon.” DO NOT SAY: “You’re joking aren’t you? Tell me you’re joking.” (They aren’t.)

SAY: “I can’t do that by 1:00 and here’s why… You will have to ask someone else to do it.” DO NOT SAY: “In your dreams, or “Me and what 5 other people?” or “Sure” (sarcastically), or anything you counteract with gestures and expressions (rolling your eyes), as it will be missed.

4.Do not use metaphor.

SAY: “He talks that way because that’s how they teach you to talk in military.” DO NOT SAY: “You can’t change a leopard’s spots.”