Become an assertive communicator
Developing assertive communication skills is an important step for people with self-esteem issues. Expressing yourself clearly and directly is in itself an affirmation of self-worth. Whatever the content of your communication you are saying, in effect, that you believe that what you have to say is worth listening to, while letting the other person hog the floor or ‘suffering in silence’ is not the act of someone with a very strong self-belief.
Key strategies for more effective communication
- When you want to sound assertive keep it clear and concise. Less is more. Don’t waffle or be tentative. This will make you sound deferential and weaken the impact of what you are saying.
- Don’t be afraid to use the first person. ...
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