Narita:

Great, I’ve done the analysis, Jeff, and I can deliver three months earlier with the infusion of new money.

Introverts typically need time to reflect before they can react. Springing claims in the meeting can be off-putting. But you could have said:

You:

That’s great, Narita. Could you walk us through the analysis?

This gives you time to reflect—still a bit on the fly but better than nothing.

You:

Can I see the analysis?

Narita:

Sure, I’ll send it to you. Three months gives us a jump on production. We might be able to make the spring sales conference instead of the fall’s.

She breezed by the lack of analysis to the carrot she is dangling in front of Jeff. Don’t let her get away with it.

You:

Ah, sorry, could you discuss the analysis to show how you came to that conclusion?

This way, you make the conversation about the data rather than the rosy (but potentially flawed) future.

Jeff:

Okay, why should you get the money?

You:

It’s obvious. I have the more important project. It’s the rational thing to do.

Your introverted self didn’t realize that the others wouldn’t necessarily see things as you do and that you need to convince them of your statement. Instead, you can try:

You:

Well, I can’t promise an earlier delivery date but I think we could add a feature (describe it) that we threw out in the design phase because it would cost too much.

OR

You:

Yeah, I thought you might ask, so I prepared a paper on what I could do with the money.

Having the time to work out what you would do with the money beforehand gives you the reflection time while still meeting Jeff’s requirements.