Tools of the Trade
This tool is a BA's BFF for organizing data
What is Excel
A requirement describes something the system should do or how it should behave. True or false?
What is True
What is “Let’s talk about it later”?
What is "Circle Back"
This person often leads the project and makes big decisions.
Who is the Project Manager
Everyone goes around providing project updates
What is Status Call
This kind of diagram shows how a process flows from start to finish.
What is a flowchart
This type of requirement describes what the system must do.
What is a functional requirement
What is “The easy stuff we can fix first”?
What is "Low-hanging fruit"
This person uses the final product and helps define what it should do.
Who is the end user (or customer)
People throw out random ideas, and someone says “No bad ideas here!”
What is a Brainstorming Session
This Microsoft tool helps BAs create clean documents like meeting notes or requirements.
What is Word
This type of requirement describes how well the system works — like speed or security.
What is a non-functional requirement
What is “Have a quick chat”?
What is "Touch Base"
What should you do if a stakeholder gives vague feedback like “It’s not working”?
What is ask follow-up questions
Everyone is excited and slightly nervous. You talk about goals, timelines, and who's doing what.
What is a Project Kickoff Meeting
This visual tool helps create diagrams like process flows or org charts.
What is Visio
This three-word phrase means “simple, clear description of what the user needs.”
What is "a user story"
What is “Getting into too many details”?
What is "In the weeds"
This is a good way to keep stakeholders happy and in the loop.
What is regular communication
Laptops open, sleeves rolled up — people are actually doing stuff. It’s hands-on, a little messy, and somehow way more productive than most meetings.
What is a Working Session
BAs use this tool to schedule meetings and check everyone’s availability.
These people help BAs figure out what the requirements should be.
Who are stakeholders
What is “Let’s talk about this outside the meeting”?
What is "Take it offline"
If two stakeholders disagree, the BA should…
What is help clarify needs and find a solution that works for both
The team reviews what went well, what didn’t, and what they’d change next time.
What is Lessons Learned meeting