…with Gorick Ng’s “How to Say It” Flashcards
In today’s fast-paced professional environment, knowing the right words at the right time can make or break your success. Whether you’re asking for feedback, navigating tricky meetings, or dealing with critical feedback, communicating effectively is essential. That’s where How to Say It Flashcards by Gorick Ng comes in—a straightforward, practical tool for navigating professional settings with confidence.
We’ve all been there: You open your mouth in a meeting, and halfway through your sentence, you realize you don’t know where you’re going with it. Or maybe you agree to something without thinking, only to regret it later. I’m no stranger to these blunders, but the truth is, you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did. That’s why I was excited to try Gorick Ng’s flashcards.
The idea is simple: provide quick, actionable scripts for real-life professional scenarios—perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their communication skills, whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned pro.
The How to Say It Flashcards come in a compact, business-card-sized box that’s perfect for quick reference. The deck includes 52 cards divided into four main categories:
Each card has a script designed for a specific situation, complete with a call-to-action or “hook” on one side and a suggested response or follow-up on the other. It’s all about nailing the basics, and as I discovered, mastering those fundamentals can be game-changing.
The beauty of this deck lies in its simplicity. You pick a card based on the situation you’re facing—whether it’s starting a conversation, managing feedback, or gracefully exiting a meeting. Let’s say you’re navigating a delicate situation where you’ve received critical feedback (something I’m notoriously sensitive about). The card offers you a simple, respectful response like:
“I appreciate your feedback. Going forward, I’ll make sure to [insert action]. Do you have any advice on how I can improve further?”
This straightforward script helps you stay calm and professional, no matter how awkward the moment might feel.
At first glance, the scripts might seem a bit basic, but that’s the point. Effective communication doesn’t need to be complex—it just needs to be clear and thoughtful. By offering these simple, well-structured responses, the cards help build confidence in professional conversations.
For example, imagine you’re stuck in a meeting and need to gracefully bow out. Instead of hitting “Leave” on Zoom without a word, you can say:
“I was really looking forward to XYZ, but something came up, and unfortunately, I can’t move the appointment. Could we reschedule for [time]?”
One of the standout features of the How to Say It Flashcards is the additional content available through Gorick Ng’s website. Each card has a corresponding video, where Gorick delves deeper into the reasoning behind the scripts and offers further context. These videos can be up to six minutes long, giving you plenty of insight into how to best use the cards in specific scenarios.
Whether you’re a young professional just starting out or someone looking to fine-tune their communication skills, these flashcards are an invaluable tool. They’re especially helpful for those tricky, everyday situations we all face—asking for feedback, handling critical comments, or navigating workplace dynamics.
For managers and leaders, the cards can also serve as a way to coach your team in effective communication, ensuring that everyone feels heard and understood.
I’ve reviewed all sorts of complex tools, but sometimes the simplest ones—like these flashcards—are the most effective. They’re easy to use, well-organized, and provide practical guidance for navigating real-world professional interactions. And with the added bonus of online videos, you get even more value out of each card.
If you’re looking to enhance your workplace communication and gain more confidence in meetings, I highly recommend checking out Gorick Ng’s How to Say It Flashcards. You can learn more about them on his website, and there are even booster packs available to take your skills further.