Boardroom Believer Pillows

"Anyway, we'd love to have You on board for the Creighton deal."

"...And please let the merger do through!"

"That's all we can do about the federal loan at this time. Next business."

"I'm going to bombard you with graphs until you agree with me."

"Can I savor this for a few moments? The ball's never been in my court before!"

Golly, �1m a year isn't too much. I don't know why your shareholders don't understand you.

"Marshall, somewhere out there, just waiting for us, is a loophole in the system."

"I'm razzled, but not dazzled."

'And I'm happy to say, that since the merger...'

'The good news is we're projecting a profit. The bad news is none of us will be alive then.'

He was destined for greatness. Whatever that meant.

"Thank you for that summation of the charts."

"My report to the board was perfect. They did not understand a word of it and now think I'm smarter than them."

'Great news this quarter! Losses are up in smoke, profits are high, and we're seeing lots of green!'

'The good news is, we did as well as expected last quarter. The bad news is, we didn't expect to do too well.'

"In the event of an actual S.E.C. investigation, legal representation will drop from the ceiling."

'I've stepped on so many people for the last 20 years to get where I'm at, and I'm still only a middle manager.'

"I see we're going up against the Big Guys."

"Oh dear...I don't think negotiations are going too well..."

"Before I read the financial report I have to ask... do any of you have a weapon?"

The Importance of Planning Thoroughly in Advance

'Congratulations Smith, you got that promotion. Commiserations Reid, you got that demotion.'

"May I offer a very different scenario?"

'Well, I'm not very satisfied with our customers, either.'

'By the time I climbed up to this job, I was too tired to do it.'

'Perkins, you really know to suck the joy out of a 3rd quarter report.'

"He's not sleeping. He always dims his display while downloading data."

"The good news is we've used up all our bad ideas."

'This merger will cut jobs 40%, reduce salaries 30% and increase the work hours 25%. Your job is to make this look like the best thing that ever happened to our employees.'

'As chairman, that's my opinion. I propose we table any motion to further discuss this matter. All those in favor say 'aye'. All those opposed say 'bye'.'

'You're closer to the Big Guy than anyone. Will you help us kill him?'

'That's true son..Money can't buy happiness. But it makes being unhappy a little easier to live with.'

'Who wants the talking stick?'

Presentation Skills: 1. Be Prepared.

'I've chosen you for fresh, new ideas.'