Guessing is not a strategy: How to build decision velocity with AI and real-time data
June 10, 2026 | Live Webinar
One Minute, One Page
When it comes to most project meetings with sponsors and other stakeholders, you have one minute, one page. More than that has to be earned, or you’ll probably lose this audience. Here are 10 simple guidelines for keeping the attention of busy or distracted executives.
Sure, your next project meeting with the sponsor and key stakeholders is scheduled for 30 minutes. And you haven’t been given a "one-page" rule to report project status, issues and changes. But what you do with your first minute and first page will often determine whether you have this audience's interest beyond that.
Here are some tips I've found useful in reporting.
1. Make them curious. The Wall Street Journal gives one or two sentences on the front page about a story that can be found in more detail inside the newspaper. Give your audience the one- or two-sentence summary that will pique their curiosity.
2. Don't presume they know their job. They are busy. They are likely in a position to know the “high level” stuff, but not details. Their focus is on the business-as-usual environment and issues relating to it. Your focus is the project, which by definition is being conducted outside of their business-as-usual environment.
3. Make it simple. Don't require them to search for the point you're making or the question you're asking. Sponsors and …
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