In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy sings “Somewhere over the rainbow”. In The Little Mermaid, Ariel sings “Part of your world”. In Hamilton, Alexander sings “My shot”.
Many musicals contain songs like this – the “I want” song. They’re sung early, and outline the lead character’s #1 motivation. We now understand them, fall in love with them, and want them to achieve it. Their #1 motivation becomes ours. It drives the plot forward.
A good analogy for communication, yes?
Let people know your “I want”. And you’re more likely to achieve it.
Put another way – if you want them to act, include a Call To Action (CTA).
You can say your CTA at the start, middle and/or end.
You can give them one choice – ‘do X’.
Or a range of choices – ‘should we do X or Y?’
Or ask them – ‘how shall we take this forward?’
(Though, I’d probably say/write it, rather than sing it)
Unlike with Ariel, they might not fall in love with you.
But you’re more likely to achieve what you want. After all, when you want someone to do something, you have to ask them to do something.
Action Point
State your “I want” in a clear CTA.