Chapter 13

Talking About Money in Meetings

I never know what to say in budget meetings. I nod and hope nobody calls on me.

18 min read

This is real

"The CFO turns to the Operations Director and asks about a 4% margin decline. The room waits. The director freezes."

Key concepts

Concept 1

Stock phrases that buy you time, signal competence, and never commit to a number you can't verify.

Concept 2

Budget reviews, board presentations, business cases — each needs different prep. Use the Meeting Prep tool.

Concept 3

Never guess a number. 'Let me confirm and come back to you in 24 hours' beats a wrong figure every time.

Tap a card to flip.

If you're asked a number you don't know, you should:

What's the best way to discuss a margin decline?

Meeting prep should include:

1.What's the standard format you'd like me to use when presenting numbers in a meeting?
2.Can we agree on the three numbers you most want from me each month?
3.Is there a glossary of internal terms I should be using?