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Command the Conversation

How Engineers Take Ownership of High Stakes Outcomes

Engineering firms do not lose credibility because of weak technical skills. They lose credibility when high-stakes conversations are not led with clarity, discipline, and control.

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Trusted by engineering audiences to deliver clarity under pressure.

The Command the Conversation Framework

1. Read the Field

Understand who is in the room, what they care about, and how much technical depth builds trust versus erodes influence.

2. Call the Pitch

Define the decision to be made, anticipate objections, and define success before the conversation begins.

3. Control the Count

When challenged, translate rather than retreat into technical detail. Answer the concern behind the question and return to the objective.

4. Close the Inning

Clarify decisions, confirm alignment, and secure next steps so the room does not drift after you exit.

Engineer. Leader. Author.

Brian Wagner, P.E. is a licensed civil engineer and the author of Rounding the Bases: Winning Communication and Leadership for Engineers. His work bridges technical expertise with disciplined leadership under pressure.

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