Speak Your Truth: 10 Tips to Becoming a Confident, Assertive Communicator

In today's fast-paced world, confident and assertive communication is more important than ever. It has the power to transform relationships, boost productivity, and improve overall well-being. Habits help us internalize and normalize assertive communication, especially habits that helps us communicate with more clarity, honor our values of expressing ourselves, and behave in a productive way.

Here 10 habits that can help you level up your communication skills and strengthen your relationships.

CLARITY

1. Tune in with What You Want, Even if It Feels Selfish

Successful communicators know the importance of understanding their goals and aspirations. By being honest with ourselves about what makes us happy, we can make intentional decisions about how we spend our time and energy, leading to more focused and assertive communication.

For example, if you desire a promotion at work, spend some time thinking about what kind of work you want, how much you want to get paid, and the team and resources you’ll need to be successful.

2.. Find the Conversation Purpose

Every conversation has a goal, be it building trust, clarifying expectations, or expressing oneself. By identifying this purpose before diving into any conversation, we can steer the conversation towards a successful outcome and feel more empowered in the process.

For example, if you need to discuss a deadline with your coworker, establish that the conversation's purpose is to set a clear deadline and allocate responsibilities accordingly.

3. Clarify Assumptions Instead of Guessing

Making assumptions can lead to miscommunication and unnecessary stress. Confident communicators ask questions and clarify expectations, desires, challenges, and feelings to create a transparent and open dialogue, ensuring everyone's on the same page.

For example, if you're unsure about your coworker's expectations for an upcoming event, ask them directly instead of making assumptions based on previous experiences.

VALUES

4. Be Honest In A Considerate Way

Authenticity creates trust, the cornerstone of any strong relationship. By being honest with others, we show that we value and respect them enough to share our true feelings and thoughts. Striking a balance between honesty and tact is essential to avoid being hurtful or offensive.

For example, if a coworker's behavior has been bothering you, address the issue honestly and constructively, rather than avoiding the conversation or being passive-aggressive.

5. Share Your Message Even if Negative with Kindness

Delivering negative messages with empathy and understanding can make all the difference. By acknowledging the other person's feelings and perspectives, we can create a safe space for open dialogue and deliver difficult news with kindness and respect.

For example, if you need to deliver unfavorable feedback to a team member, express your concerns while acknowledging their efforts and offering support for improvement.

6. Own Your Feelings, but Not Other People's Feelings

Recognizing that our emotions are our responsibility and not the result of other people's actions is crucial. By expressing our thoughts and emotions without taking ownership of others' feelings, we create a healthy space for open communication and personal growth.

For example, when discussing a disagreement, express your emotions without blaming the other person for how you feel. Focus on "I feel" statements, rather than "you make me feel."

BEHAVIORS

7. Ask for What You Want, Even if Unsure of the Answer

Confident communicators express their needs and desires without guilt, even if they're unsure of the outcome. By taking a leap of faith and asking for what we want, we can pursue our goals and aspirations without hesitation.

For example, if you're unsure whether your colleague can help you with a project, ask them anyway. They might be able to offer support or suggest someone else who can.

8. Express Yourself, Even if Introverted, Afraid, or Messy

Effective communication requires pushing through fears and doubts to make our voice heard. By practicing speaking up in meetings, conversations, and networking events, we can improve our ability to express ourselves even when it feels challenging.

For example, if you have a valuable idea during a meeting, share it with the group despite any nerves or fears about how it might be received.

9. Seek Feedback, Even if It's Criticism

Embracing feedback, even when critical, demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and professional development. Approaching criticism with an open mind and a curious attitude can turn it into a valuable learning tool.

For example, after completing a project, ask your team for honest feedback on your performance, including areas where you could improve.

10. Embrace Compliments, Even if You Don't Believe Them

Graciously accepting praise and being curious about what others see in us can be both motivating and inspiring. By celebrating our successes and growing from the positivity around us, we can become more confident and assertive communicators.

For example, if a coworker compliments your presentation skills, thank them and consider how you can continue to develop those strengths, even if you initially feel doubtful.

By incorporating these 10 habits into our everyday lives, we can unlock the secrets of confident, assertive communication and become the best communicators we can be.

Listen to the?podcast episode for this article here .

If you liked this article, you’ll enjoy these other podcast episodes:

Introvert's Guide to Assertive Communication: The Winning Combo:?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/introverts-guide-to-assertive-communication-the-winning-combo

The Two Assumptions That are Slowly Poisoning Your Relationships At Work And Home:?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/the-two-assumptions-that-are-slowly-poisoning-your-relationships-at-work-and-home

Don't Kill Your Opportunities- How to Avoid Assumptions That Hold You Back:?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/dont-kill-your-opportunities-how-to-avoid-assumptions-that-hold-you-back

How To Respond To "I'm Just Being Honest" Excuse:?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/best-response-to-rude-comments-followed-by-im-just-being-honest

The Art of Asking for Feedback: Tips and Techniques:?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/the-art-of-asking-for-feedback-tips-and-techniques

How to Respond to Constructive Criticism: Learning to Love Negative Feedback:?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-respond-to-constructive-criticism-learning-to-love-negative-feedback

How To Receive Feedback Gracefully (And What Not To Do):?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-receive-feedback-gracefully-and-what-not-to-do

How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive (an assertiveness technique with examples):?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-take-criticism-without-getting-defensive

5 Better Ways To Say Good Job :?https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/5-better-ways-to-say-good-job