Most people walk into high-stakes conversations asking the wrong question. Michael Reddington breaks down the preparation strategy he developed from investigative interviewing and has applied for nearly two decades to negotiations, leadership conversations, performance discussions, and even high-stakes family situations.

In this episode, Michael walks through the WTSO framework (Weaknesses, Threats, Strengths, Opportunities) and the 7 strategic preparation questions that form the bedrock of every high-impact conversation he and his team facilitate.

You'll learn how to flip the script before you ever walk into the room.

What You'll Learn:

• Why the traditional SWOT analysis can work against you in conversations
• How to reframe your preparation around weaknesses and threats first
• The single question that unlocked a confession when two agencies had already failed
• Why asking "what do I need to say?" is the wrong question
• The 7 preparation questions that apply to any high-stakes conversation
• How to double-check your strategy before you ever open your mouth

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Welcome and Episode Overview
• (00:50) - Why "Put Yourself in Their Shoes" Falls Short
• (02:41) - Flipping the SWOT: The WTSO Approach
• (05:52) - Starting with Weaknesses and Threats
• (06:55) - Using Weaknesses to Elevate Perceived Strengths
• (08:36) - The Case That Changed Everything
• (09:29) - The Napkin on the Plane
• (11:46) - The 7 Strategic Preparation Questions
• (12:39) - Question 3: Context Is King
• (13:29) - Why Shouldn't They? The Core Preparation Question
• (14:41) - Shifting From "What Do I Say?" to "What Do They Need to Experience?"
• (16:25) - The Final Check: Does Your Plan Match Your Goals?
• (17:30) - Putting It All Together
• (18:10) - Recap of the WTSO Framework and 7 Questions

Links and Resources:

• The Disciplined Listening Method: How A Certified Forensic Interviewer Unlocks Hidden Value in Every Conversation (https://a.co/d/01f8KGqU)

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media