Lori Olin of Allied Universal: The Art of Communication Timing
Why Timing Matters
Consider a manager who waits until an annual review to mention a problem that's been brewing for months, or a friend who shares exciting news while someone is processing grief. In both cases, the message itself might be perfectly crafted, but poor timing undermines its impact. When we ignore timing, we risk our words being misunderstood, dismissed, or causing unintended harm.
The right timing ensures your audience is receptive, focused, and emotionally prepared to engage with what you're saying. It's the difference between a conversation that opens doors and one that slams them shut.
Reading the Room
Great communicators are skilled observers. Before speaking, they assess the emotional temperature of their audience. Is this person stressed, distracted, or overwhelmed? Are they open and engaged? Sometimes the best communication decision is to wait—to recognize that now isn't the moment, even if you're ready to talk.
This applies in professional settings too. Proposing a bold new initiative during a budget crisis, or requesting time off during your team's busiest week, shows a disconnect that can damage your credibility regardless of how valid your request might be.
The Elements of Good Timing
Several factors determine optimal timing. Emotional readiness is crucial—people can't absorb difficult conversations when they're already at capacity. Context matters too; some messages belong in private, others in group settings. Urgency must be balanced with receptivity; not everything that feels urgent to you requires immediate attention.
There's also the concept of priming, preparing someone for a conversation before diving in. A simple "Can we talk about the project later today?" gives someone time to mentally prepare rather than being ambushed.
When to Wait, When to Act
Some messages improve with patience. Giving feedback when emotions are high rarely goes well; waiting until everyone has cooled down leads to more productive dialogue. But other messages deteriorate with delay, praise is most powerful when delivered immediately, and time-sensitive information loses value quickly.
The key is developing judgment about which category your message falls into. Ask yourself: Will this be better received now or later? What will change between now and then? What's the cost of waiting?
Practical Strategies
Start by simply asking: "Is now a good time?" This small courtesy acknowledges that timing is a two-way street. Pay attention to patterns, when is your colleague most open to brainstorming? When does your partner prefer serious discussions?
Keep a buffer between receiving information and reacting to it. The urge to respond immediately often leads to poorly timed messages sent in haste. Sometimes sleeping on it really is the best advice.
The Takeaway
Communication mastery requires synchronizing your message with your audience's capacity to receive it. The right words at the wrong time are still the wrong words. By cultivating awareness of timing, you transform from someone who simply speaks into someone who truly connects. In a world of constant communication, knowing when to speak and when to wait might be your greatest advantage.