Be Appropriate<\/h3>\n\n
Consider the person<\/strong> you are addressing and the time and place<\/strong>. For example, you wouldn\u2019t use a team meeting to speak to an individual about their poor performance. <\/p>\n\n Taking ownership of your message shows assertiveness, e.g. stating: \u201cIn my opinion \u2026\u201d. This is not confrontational, as you are offering an opinion rather than stating fact. People are less likely to respond defensively or aggressively to your opinion and are more likely to take your view into consideration<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Avoid confrontation by tackling the problem and not the person<\/strong>. For example, \u201cWhy can you never get anywhere on time?\u201d is a personal attack; while \u201cPlease make sure you are here on time\u201d is a solution to a problem. <\/p>\n\n Work on using clear, concise, constructive language<\/strong> to get your message across effectively. Choose words you are comfortable<\/strong> with. It is important to match your vocabulary to that of the receiver. If you use language they won\u2019t understand such as technical words and jargon you will only distance yourself from the person with whom you are trying to communicate. <\/p>\n\n During communication, things may happen to knock you off track. For example, someone might disagree with you. In this case, you will need some time to reconsider your views and prepare an assertive response. You can gain valuable seconds by using starter words<\/strong>, e.g. \u201cWell \u2026\u201d or \u201cI see \u2026\u201d; asking for clarification or checking your understanding; or asking for time to think about what the other person has said. <\/p>\n\n Use your voice to full effect. Don\u2019t shout but add quality to your voice. To do this, you can apply a breathing technique used by singers: put your hand on your stomach and breathe deeply so that your hand moves in and out. This is abdominal breathing, which allows you to access the lower\/richer end of your voice range. If you use abdominal breathing while speaking, you can take in more air and thus talk for longer without pausing. <\/p>\n\n A monotone<\/strong> delivery is dull. A good delivery flows smoothly and has inflection.<\/strong> Emphasize certain words to add meaning to your message. Try not to accidentally give the wrong meaning. For example, \u201cI can\u2019t have a meeting with you tomorrow\u201d may be seen as offensive, whereas \u201c I can\u2019t have a meeting with you tomorrow<\/em>\u201d is more reasonable (the emphasis is on the word ‘tomorrow’, implying that while meeting tomorrow is out of the question, another alternative date should be suitable). <\/p>\n\n Your posture<\/strong> can communicate confidence and control. For example, when standing, keep your head up and maintain an open stance, arms hanging loosely, hands open and relaxed. This shows control over yourself and the situation. Hunched shoulders show passive behavior. Crossing your arms can be defensive<\/strong>, and angling away from a person indicates that you want to be somewhere else. <\/p>\n\n Your facial expression should be appropriate to the message you are giving. For example, a smile<\/strong> can be disarming, but is inappropriate if you are giving bad news. <\/p>\n\n Good eye contact demonstrates respect and openness. Avoiding eye contact, on the other hand, can be a sign of nervousness<\/strong> or dishonesty. <\/p>\n\n Respect another person\u2019s personal space as standing too close will make them feel uncomfortable<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n People who listen but are easily distracted<\/strong> are not communicating effectively. Good communication includes taking on board the opinions and rights of others. You should try to read the messages others give out. For example, if they seem distracted, you may offer to arrange another time to talk.<\/p>\n\n Make sure anything that the receiver can see is in order. This will give you the appearance of being prepared<\/strong> and confident<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Confident people don\u2019t look nervous. If you get nervous easily, then you might like to try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, before entering a situation that makes you nervous. <\/p> Handy tips on how you can use your verbal and non-verbal communication skills to ensure you make a positive impact.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"product-content-category":[7074],"product-content-type":[2580],"reading-time":[5167],"class_list":["post-57521","product-content","type-product-content","status-publish","hentry","product-content-category-self-confidence-assertiveness","product-content-type-article","reading-time-3-minutes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTake Responsibility [2]<\/h3>\n\n
Tackle the Problem<\/h3>\n\n
Vocabulary<\/h3>\n\n
Stay on Track<\/h3>\n\n
The Way You Say It<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Barack](\"https:\/\/nova-live.imgix.net\/\/migration-TopTipsForConfidentCommunicationIMGB2.jpg?q=60&fm=webp&w=700&h=394\")
Confident Delivery<\/h3>\n\n
Inflection<\/h3>\n\n
Body Language<\/h3>\n\n
Facial Expression<\/h3>\n\n
Eye Contact<\/h3>\n\n
Proximity<\/h3>\n\n
Pay Attention<\/h3>\n\n
Be Organized<\/h3>\n\n
Remain Calm<\/h3>\n\n