Like any other skill, you have to gain confidence by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, a little at a time. By learning how to increase your assertiveness, you can increase the candor and flow of dialogue in the organization. While most people confess to feeling good after standing up for a person or a cause, it's a tough act.
- Crisp communication with positivity: Frame your thoughts, speak crisply and get to the point quickly as rambling on takes away from the impact. Never start with ‘No’ or ‘I don’t agree’. It is better to sound positive by saying you agree with the multiple views and you have another perspective, giving credit to everyone in the room. Also, tactfully enter a conversation instead of interrupting. View disagreement positively and don’t get emotional or lose motivation if you hear a ‘no’ If you disagree or have a differing opinion, speak up – say it with respect, with data points handy, speak till you are done. Never lose your cool and always maintain an even tone – 90% of miscommunication is due to tone and not words. On the other hand, compliment others who speak up as meetings are not always about you. You can create a significant impact by shifting the spotlight to a colleague’s idea or contribution.
- Tackle interrupters artfully: If others in the meeting interrupt you with an aggressive voice, politely continue with a smooth ‘Let me finish this thought’ or ‘just hold your thought for a minute while I complete this’. Once you get the floor, ensure that you complete what you have to say before handing over the mike.
- Focus on Posture: Observe the body language of a winner in a meeting – leaning forward, good eye contact, using hand gestures, straight back yet relaxed enough to appear confident and sending a powerful message of being in control. Do not slouch or doodle or do anything that makes you appear distracted or disengaged.
Read more such articles on Thinkly: https://app.thinkly.me/JQvQCp8LkhtGzVZc7
Comments
Post a Comment