How to Make Sure Everyone Hears You in Meetings Using DISC Styles
If you’ve ever left a meeting in Martinez or nearby areas like Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Benicia, or Antioch feeling like your voice-or someone else’s-wasn’t heard, you’re not alone. Meetings can feel like a game of telephone: what’s said isn’t always what’s received. The DISC model gives you a practical way to connect with every style in the room so your message truly lands.
DISC Basics: Four Styles, Four Ways to Listen
DISC is a personality assessment that helps you identify your own style and those of your coworkers. Each style-Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness-has its own way of listening, processing, and responding. Here’s a quick rundown:
- D (Dominance): Direct, results-focused, fast-paced
- I (Influence): Outgoing, social, enthusiastic
- S (Steadiness): Supportive, patient, reliable
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-oriented, analytical, careful
If you want your ideas to stick, you need to speak each style’s “language.”
Tip: Start by noticing how your team members respond in meetings. Are they quick to jump in, or do they wait and process? That’s your first clue.
Speaking So Every DISC Style Listens
Ever feel like some people tune out in meetings? That’s because they’re not hearing the message in a way that fits their style. Here are easy ways to get through to each DISC type:
- When talking to D’s: Get to the point. Share the goal, the action, and the bottom line. Skip the small talk and let them know how it impacts results.
- When talking to I’s: Make it interactive. Bring some energy, allow for discussion, and highlight who’s involved. Recognition and excitement go a long way.
- When talking to S’s: Be considerate and steady. Explain how changes affect the group, give time for questions, and offer support. Don’t rush them.
- When talking to C’s: Use facts and details. Be clear about expectations, provide supporting data, and answer questions thoroughly. Respect their need for accuracy.
Try this: Before your next meeting, jot down a bullet point for each style. How will you address each one’s needs?
Spotting DISC Styles Around the Table
Whether you’re meeting in a downtown Martinez conference room or driving in from Benicia or Concord, spotting DISC styles is easier than you think. Listen for clues:
- D’s ask: “What’s the goal?” or “What’s next?”
- I’s say: “Who else is on board?” or “This could be fun!”
- S’s wonder: “How does this affect the team?” or “Is there enough time?”
- C’s ask: “What’s the process?” or “Can you clarify?”
Once you spot their style, tailor your approach. That’s how you keep everyone engaged, from Walnut Creek to Antioch.
Next step: During your next meeting, actively listen for these cues. Adjust your response on the fly and notice how engagement improves.
Running More Effective Meetings With DISC
DISC isn’t just for one-on-one talks. It’s a game plan for the whole meeting, whether your team is gathering in person or tuning in from Pleasant Hill or Alamo. Here’s how you can use DISC to run smoother meetings:
- Set clear goals to satisfy D’s-and keep things moving.
- Invite input and keep things lively for I’s.
- Share the agenda in advance and respect the process for S’s and C’s.
- Pause for questions and check for understanding with all styles.
Quick win: Start your next meeting by saying, “I want to make sure this works for everyone, so speak up if you need more info or want to discuss.” You’ll notice better participation-especially from those quieter S and C styles.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you’re commuting from Alamo, running a team in Benicia, or collaborating with partners in Concord, using DISC in your meetings helps you make sure every voice is heard. It’s not about changing who you are-it’s about flexing your style so your message gets through, no matter who’s in the room.
- Notice the styles in your next meeting.
- Plan your message with each style in mind.
- Watch for better engagement, easier decisions, and meetings that finally feel productive.
Try this today: Pick one DISC tip and use it in your next meeting. See how people respond-and keep building from there. The more you practice, the more natural it gets.