How to Be Blunt

There is an art to being blunt. While one person's bluntness can be perceived as unnecessary rudeness, another person's blunt comments can be taken as positive and constructive criticism. The difference is in the delivery and the relationship that has been built up between the two people. If you are blunt with someone you've just met, you are probably not going to get positive results and you may even cause the person to avoid you. In addition to personal relations, you can also use bluntness to your benefit in the business world.

Instructions

1. Get to know the person. You have to develop a strong relationship with someone before you can feel comfortable being blunt with him. You must be a trusted friend or a trusted source to be blunt with someone. Some people are extremely sensitive and less likely to respond well to blunt comments. This is something that you pick up on after getting know the person.

2. Choose your comments wisely based on what you have come to know about the person. If you decide that the person is thick-skinned based on your observations, you will feel more comfortable being blunt. If the person is very sensitive, start off gradually with a less blunt comment and progress as time goes along and you develop a trusting relationship with the person. For example, instead of saying something that is extremely blunt like "That hair color is wrong on you," say "You should consider dying your hair black." Take cues. If the person is blunt with you, she may be more likely to absorb a blunt comment from you.

3. Gain a deeper understanding of the source of the person's problems before you address them. For example, someone might have a temper because of an issue that happened in childhood. If you tell her or him "You're an angry person" bluntly, it may alienate the person. Instead, identify and be blunt about the underlying issue in a helpful way, such as asking direct questions about the childhood trauma.

4. Deliver your blunt comment along with positive reinforcement. For instance, " You should change your hair color a bit, but boy, that hairstyle looks great on you."

5. Use these techniques with potential customers in moderation. Bluntness is sometimes helpful when you are communicating with a customer online or in person. Get to know the customer, identify the underlying issue that is causing the need, and then address it bluntly with positive reinforcements. For example, "Your house looks great. It'll look much better if you let us put in new hardwood floors." You also need to be very plain with your customers about risks and possible issues involving your product or service to avoid future disputes.

Tips & Warnings

• Bluntness need not equal insensitivity. Blunt comments should be helpful notes aimed at making an improvement.

• While everyone is entitled to his or her own personal views, do not try to force your blunt opinions on others.

References

• Eileen McDermott, "Be Blunt When Broadcasting Your Brand," Managing Intellectual Property Magazine, May 2009

Resources

• Is Being Blunt a Good Thing?
• Communicating Effectively -- Recommended Resource