Critical thinking

Analytical thinking

Break a question into useful parts and distinguish evidence from interpretation.

A practical starting point

Three principles to take into the conversation

  1. 1

    Define the question precisely enough that evidence can change the answer.

  2. 2

    Check the source, comparison, and missing context behind a number.

  3. 3

    State confidence and uncertainty separately from the recommendation.

Try this opening

“What do we know, what are we inferring, and what would change our conclusion?”

Adapt this opening to your situation and say it in your own words.

Prepare in a few minutes

  • Write down the outcome you want from the conversation.
  • Separate what you observed from what you assume.
  • Choose one point the other person needs to understand.
  • Plan a question that makes room for their perspective.