How do you assert your opinions and ideas in a team meeting or a presentation?

1 Know your goals and values

Before you communicate, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. What are your goals and values as a manager and as a team member? How do they align with the organization's vision and mission? How do they benefit your audience and stakeholders? Knowing your goals and values will help you communicate them effectively and persuasively, as well as avoid unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.

2 Use positive and respectful language

The way you speak and write can have a huge impact on how others perceive and respond to you. To communicate assertively, you need to use positive and respectful language that conveys your message without offending or intimidating others. For example, you can use "I" statements to express your feelings and opinions, such as "I think", "I feel", or "I prefer". You can also use "you" statements to acknowledge and appreciate others, such as "You did a great job", "You have a valid point", or "You are welcome". Avoid using negative or accusatory language, such as "You always", "You never", or "You should".

3 Listen actively and empathetically

Assertive communication is not only about speaking, but also about listening. Listening actively and empathetically means paying attention to what others are saying, showing interest and curiosity , and trying to understand their perspective and emotions. It also means asking open-ended questions, paraphrasing, and summarizing what you heard, and giving feedback and suggestions. Listening actively and empathetically will help you build rapport and trust with others, as well as identify common ground and potential solutions.

4 Be confident and calm

Assertive communication requires confidence and calmness, especially in challenging or stressful situations. Confidence means believing in yourself and your abilities, and showing it through your body language, voice, and words. Calmness means managing your emotions and reactions, and staying focused and rational. To be confident and calm, you need to prepare well, practice regularly, and seek feedback and support. You also need to avoid defensive or aggressive behaviors, such as interrupting, blaming, or criticizing others.

5 Negotiate and compromise

Assertive communication does not mean that you always get what you want, or that you always agree with others. It means that you are willing to negotiate and compromise, and to respect and accept differences and diversity. Negotiating and compromising means finding a balance between your needs and interests, and those of others. It also means being flexible and adaptable, and being open to new ideas and possibilities. To negotiate and compromise effectively, you need to identify your priorities and boundaries, as well as those of others, and to communicate them clearly and respectfully.

6 Practice and improve

Assertive communication skills are not something that you can master overnight. They are something that you need to practice and improve continuously, through feedback, reflection, and learning. You can practice and improve your assertive communication skills by seeking opportunities to communicate in different settings and contexts, such as team meetings, presentations, or feedback sessions. You can also seek feedback from others, such as your peers, mentors, or coaches, and use it to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You can also reflect on your communication experiences, and learn from your successes and failures.