How to Make an Effective Assertive Statement
Knowing how to make an effective and assertive statement when communicating is key. When you make a statement assertively, you express yourself in a crystal-clear way so that the other party knows you mean business. An effective statement gets results, usually by convincing the other person of your point. Mastering this can open a number of doors when it comes to negotiating agreements and explaining your point in debates.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Research the point behind your statement. If you know that what you say can be proved with cold hard facts, it will give you the confidence to assert yourself when making your statement to another person.
-
2
Prepare your statement in advance of speaking with the other individual (or group). If it is a long statement (several lines or more), create a rough outline of what you want to say. Put the statement on note cards for practice, but memorize what you want to say when you're in the meeting. Include your research or findings to prove that what you've said is the truth. Bring copies of your proof when you make the statement.
-
-
3
Relax and shake any jitters you have before speaking. If your voice breaks, wavers or shakes as you're speaking this takes away from your goal of being assertive.
-
4
Maintain eye contact with the other person as you're delivering your statement and keep your head up. Maintain professional posture (shoulders back, no slumping). Avoid smiling, laughing and fidgeting to be taken seriously. If you are in a formal business meeting, stand up as you make your statement.
-
5
Project your voice as you speak. Do not shout and do not speak timidly or quietly as this is an indication that you may not be confident in what you have to say. Control your tone. Avoid speaking in a boring monotone and use proper inflections as if you're having a normal, engaging (yet temporarily one-sided) conversation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Practice giving your statement in front of a close friend or family member. Get honest feedback to gauge the impression you give the other person when speaking.
