How to Get Your Message Across in Meetings Using DISC Styles
Ever walk out of a meeting and wonder if anyone actually heard what you said? If you’re working with a team in Exeter, or you’re driving in from nearby places like Anderson, Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, or Oroville, you know meetings can get off-track fast. The DISC model gives you practical tools to make sure everyone in the room feels heard and understood-no matter their style. Here’s how you can make your point clear and keep your meetings running smoothly by speaking everyone’s language.
What DISC Styles Mean for Meetings
The DISC model breaks down communication into four basic styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style has its own way of listening and responding. If you want your meetings to be productive-whether you’re leading, presenting, or just sharing updates-it pays to know how to reach each style.
- D (Dominance): Likes direct, action-driven communication. Wants the bottom line first.
- I (Influence): Values enthusiasm, stories, and personal connection. Responds well to energy and optimism.
- S (Steadiness): Prefers calm, steady communication. Likes time to process and a supportive tone.
- C (Conscientiousness): Wants details, logic, and clear structure. Appreciates well-organized information.
Tip: Before your next meeting, try to identify which style matches each person in the room. Even if you don’t know for sure, noticing how people talk, ask questions, or react can give you clues.
How to Speak So Each Style Listens
When you know who you’re talking to, you can adjust your message. Here’s how to reach each DISC style effectively:
- For D-Styles: Start with the point. Be brief and focus on results. “Here’s what we need to do and why.”
- For I-Styles: Share the big picture with enthusiasm. Use stories or examples. “This is exciting because it helps us connect with more people.”
- For S-Styles: Show respect for routines and team harmony. Give time for questions. “We’ll walk through this together and make sure everyone’s comfortable.”
- For C-Styles: Provide facts, figures, and details. Outline the process. “The data shows this approach is the most efficient.”
Next Step: At your next meeting, try one of these approaches with someone who usually tunes out. See how they respond-you might be surprised by how much more engaged they become.
Common Meeting Scenarios and DISC in Action
Meetings aren’t just about information-they’re about people. You’ll see DISC styles show up in all kinds of ways. Whether you’re running a strategy session, a project update, or a team huddle, you can use DISC to keep everyone on track. Here are some real-world examples:
- Running behind schedule? D-styles might get impatient. Address their concerns up front by saying, “We’ll move quickly and stick to our agenda.”
- Team members distracted? I-styles may lose focus without interaction. Invite their input: “We’d love to hear your ideas on this.”
- Pushback on changes? S-styles need reassurance. Emphasize support: “We’re here to help everyone through these updates.”
- Getting bogged down in details? C-styles might want more info. Offer data and clarity: “Here are the numbers behind our decision.”
Takeaway: Meetings go smoother when you speak to what each person values. You can start practicing this in your very next team session.
Making DISC Work for Your Team
Whether your team is based in Exeter or you’re traveling in from Chico, Anderson, or Red Bluff, you’ll notice some patterns. Maybe you see more direct communicators in one office and more detail-oriented folks in another. The DISC assessment gives you tools to label these patterns and adjust your approach-no matter where you’re meeting or who’s at the table.
- Kick off meetings by recognizing all styles. For example, set a clear agenda (for C-styles), build in discussion time (for I- and S-styles), and set clear action steps (for D-styles).
- Rotate meeting roles so everyone gets a chance to contribute in their own way. You’ll see who likes to keep things on track and who brings energy to the group.
- After the meeting, ask for feedback using each style’s language: “Was this meeting efficient?” (D), “Did you enjoy the conversation?” (I), “Was the pace comfortable?” (S), “Did we cover everything in enough detail?” (C).
Practical Step: Try a DISC assessment as a team activity. It’s a good way to get everyone on the same page and open up new ways of working together.
Ready to Try DISC in Your Next Meeting?
You don’t have to overhaul your entire meeting process. Small changes-like adjusting your communication for each DISC style-can make a big difference. Whether your team is gathering in Exeter or driving in from Chico, Red Bluff, Anderson, Oroville, or Redding, you’ll notice meetings feel more productive and everyone leaves the table feeling heard.
Next Meeting Tip: Pick one DISC style that challenges you. Focus on reaching that person with your message. Over time, you’ll see a shift in how your team communicates and collaborates-right here in your corner of California.