TALK LIKE A CONSULTANT - Top down communication explained (management consulting skills)

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Published 2020-08-01
Do you want to talk like a consultant? Top down communication is a key management consulting skill. MBB consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) teach top-down communication skills in their mandatory onboarding programs for new consultants. As a former McKinsey consultant myself, I talk about how to talk like a consultant. I teach you the fundamental consulting communication skills that management consulting firms depend on. These are crucial management consulting skills, top down communication is essential for every aspiring management consultant. This communication skills training teaches essential strategy consulting skills, these are presentation skills relevant for professional oral and written communication.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Top-down communication concept
03:36 Communication skills exercise
06:02 Potential communication exercise answers
10:21 Why people struggle with top-down communication
12:14 Top-down communication: Book recommendation
12:40 Wrap-up

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All Comments (21)
  • @FirmLearning
    Do you want to learn to create slide presentations like top consulting firms? I created an online course, teaching you the slide writing skills I learned in consulting: link.firmlearning.com/slides
  • This guy simultaneously sounds German and Chinese at the same time. What a combo. Either way, very clear.
  • @MoosaIslamic
    What I gained: - First give the Key message/finding, then delve into details. - Use time connectives (firstly, secondly, etc.)
  • This is brilliant. Not just what top down communication is, but especially why it is so important 1. Avoid system 1 impulse thinking 2. Your boss doesnā€™t care how long you worked last night as long as it produces results, so show the results first 3. Showing clarity in thinking - you go beyond just the level 1 superficial details of what you have done but going into what exactly this MEANS for the business and in the context of the brief
  • @eugsoh81
    This is outstanding training. Iā€™m a 45-year old Marketing Manager yet have never come across top-down communication. Itā€™s such a simple concept. Yet crucially important. My wife has pointed out that I am not an effective communicator but I didnā€™t really know what to do about it. But the way you present this by starting with the summary and providing supportive statements is so logical. I also like how you share about why people donā€™t speak like this naturally. Thank you!
  • McKinsey consultants literally taught a class on this in my workplace 5 years ago. Its effective.
  • @chiahuic1209
    Top-down communication: give a conclusion first, and follow by 3 key reasons.
  • @PlumpLumps
    Was literally JUST told by my ex-BCG business partner to use YouTube to learn how to communicate like a consultant and you uploaded this video. šŸ™šŸ¼
  • @feleciaward1563
    Brilliant! Thank you. As for your accent, ignore the critics and remember content is king. Your content and affable personality are both awesome! I am studying for the PMP Certification, and as students we adjust to knowledgeable instructors from around the world because we want their skillset.
  • @MrRichardyc
    playback at 1.25 speed, you will thank me later.
  • @pawelnowak3828
    Half of the comments highlited the accent aspect of the video rather than the message. This man clearly explained the basics of communication used in the consulting industry for anyone who aspires to join a top consulting firm this knowledge is worth more than gold.
  • @ashleyash7751
    Iā€™m an aspiring consultant and somehow I came across to this video. Iā€™ve learnt something today, thank you!
  • @r2r616
    Great refresher after 4 years out side of consulting! Real value delivered, thanks!
  • I've found that I may not have the conclusion on the tip of my tongue if I am interrupted in the middle of my work. So, I think there is another recommendation to help with top down communication: constantly remind yourself of the big picture problem you're solving. Doing so will also help you stay on track, and contextualize your progress with the main problem.
  • @arshbirdhawan1
    Beyond the experience, the willingness to share valuable knowledge and the effective communication, i was sold when i saw you had segmented your video into sections in the scroll bar with timestamps. Being a junior in a consulting firm, the one thing i have learned is that is that everything you do is a reflection of how you approach work and in an environment where many are happy to skip these seemingly small steps, it really speaks to your attention to detail. Love it!
  • I really love your work ethic, so impressive! Especially considering English isnā€™t your first language, your dedication and hard work is very appreciated.
  • @niahma3494
    No bullshit, advice delivered straight to the point with examples. Will pay for this content if i ever wanted to be a consultant!
  • My friend just told me to look up speaking like a consultant. Perfect timing.
  • @prassetya8584
    I think this is important not only for consultants but also for researchers. In an academic institution, many people get used to speaking in a bottom-up way that causes the listeners to fall asleep within 10 minutes during a presentation.
  • @Gorlenius
    Learned a lot about top down communication, thanks!