How to communicate effectively, in a way that gets you heard
Respect is the key to being heard, and here’s how it works…
Do you ever feel that your communication could have more impact? That your views and preferences aren’t taken as seriously as they could be?
Through many years of facilitating conversations and learning, I’ve come to believe that respect, for yourself and others, is the foundation of assertive communication.
Assertive communication is where you are able to express yourself clearly, so that you are heard.
“Someone who is assertive behaves confidently and is not frightened to say what they want or believe.” Cambridge Dictionary definition.
To be clear, assertive behaviour in this context is not the same as aggressive behaviour. Thinking that you’re always right is not assertiveness. Forcing your views on others is aggressive behaviour. Having the courage to say what you really think and feel is assertive.
Aggressive behaviour is also dominating a conversation. Talking too much. My heart sinks sometimes when I hear the same person talking yet again at a meeting, not showing interest in anyone else’s views.
I’m not going to pretend that I always get my communication right. In my role as a…
