How to Get Your Message Across in Meetings Using DISC
If you’re leading or taking part in meetings-whether you’re in East Islip, heading over from Commack, Bay Shore, West Islip, Central Islip, or Deer Park-clear communication is your key to getting things done. But you probably know how conversations can get lost in translation. That’s where the DISC model comes in. With DISC, you learn to speak in a way that lands with everyone, no matter their style. Here’s how you can use DISC in meetings so every team member actually hears you, not just the loudest voices.
What DISC Means for Your Meetings
The DISC model breaks down communication into four main styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style has its own preferences and pet peeves. If you want your message to hit home, you need to know who’s in the room-and what makes each style tick.
- Dominance: Likes directness, results, and action.
- Influence: Responds to enthusiasm, collaboration, and recognition.
- Steadiness: Prefers stability, support, and a steady pace.
- Conscientiousness: Values accuracy, logic, and detailed information.
Knowing these styles helps you tailor your approach, making meetings more productive and less of a guessing game.
Action tip: Before your next meeting, jot down the likely DISC styles you’ll encounter. Think about one small tweak you can make for each type.
Speaking So Every Style Feels Heard
If you want everyone in the room-from the quick-thinking go-getter to the detail-oriented planner-to actually get your point, here’s how you can adjust your words and approach.
- For Dominance:
- Be brief and to the point.
- Focus on outcomes and next steps.
- Avoid too much background or small talk.
- Try this: Kick off with the goal of the meeting and the main decision needed.
- For Influence:
- Show energy and optimism.
- Invite ideas and feedback.
- Recognize contributions in the moment.
- Try this: Use names, make eye contact, and encourage creative input.
- For Steadiness:
- Be patient and approachable.
- Allow time for questions.
- Highlight the impact on people and teamwork.
- Try this: Let folks know changes ahead of time and check in quietly after the meeting.
- For Conscientiousness:
- Provide clear facts and logic.
- Explain the “why” behind decisions.
- Give space for questions about details.
- Try this: Send out an agenda before the meeting and follow up with any data discussed.
Action tip: During your next meeting, listen for a question or comment that signals someone’s style, then adjust your response to meet that need.
Using DISC for Smoother Team Discussions
Meetings in the U.S.-from Long Island to upstate-often have a mix of personalities. You might have someone from Bay Shore who likes to cut to the chase, while a colleague from Deer Park prefers to think things through. With DISC, you can bridge those gaps.
- Start meetings by setting clear expectations and ground rules.
- Rotate who leads different agenda items to play to different strengths.
- Break into pairs or small groups for brainstorming so quieter voices get heard.
- Summarize action steps at the end, and make sure each person knows their next move.
By reading the room and flexing your style, you’ll see less talking in circles-and more meaningful progress.
Action tip: Try a “round robin” in your next meeting. Go around the table and ask each person for their thoughts. This encourages participation from all styles.
How to Start Applying DISC in Your Next Meeting
If you’re traveling between East Islip and nearby towns like West Islip or Central Islip for work, these DISC strategies work anywhere. Whether you’re in a boardroom, a community center, or on a video call, you can:
- Take a DISC assessment to identify your own style-and encourage your team to do the same.
- Post a simple DISC chart in your meeting space as a reminder.
- Check in with team members after meetings: Did they feel heard? What could be better?
Every time you apply these principles, you set the stage for stronger teamwork, fewer misunderstandings, and meetings that finally get results.
Next step: Choose one DISC style you want to focus on in your next meeting. Practice speaking their language and see what changes.