"Try the veal. It's the best in the city."

When Sollozo and Captain McKluskey took Michael to Louie's Restaurant in the Bronx, the cop asked the Turk, "How's the Italian food in this restaurant?" You don't have to grow up in New Jersey or New York to appreciate the humor in that question. No doubt the dialogue in that scene is legendary, but it is Michael's non-verbal communication that we can learn from. Secondarily, we can appreciate how Michael handled himself under intense stress.

Let's discuss how Michael was successful in 'making his bones'. It was his idea. He knew what needed to happen and knew it was only possible if he did it. Luckily he had that fat Clemenza to coach him on how to execute the tactics of the plan. Tessio made sure he didn't come out of the bathroom with just his *#@k in his hand! The details worked out, Michael only had to keep his cool and pull the trigger at the right time.

Probably the most intense scene in the movie, the future Don came back to the table visibly nervous and unable to utter words. Shifting eyes, clenched teeth from a broken jaw and heavy breathing preceded the .38's loud report. If Sollozo's or McKluskey's antennae for danger was even halfway up they might have had a chance.

Are we fully prepared for our meetings and presentations? Do we utilize our expert peers and direct reports the best we can? Practice your talking points. Visualize the outcome. In negotiations and meetings be aware of others' non-verbal communication. Keep your antenna up by listening 80% of the time. Never get in front of an audience with just your microphone in your hand!Get your smile on, be enthusiastic and have the confidence of a Sicilian mafia boss.

If all else fails, act like Fredo. You'll get a laugh and put people at ease. Speaking of Fredo, we will examine his character in another blog dealing with performance coaching.