Learning to be assertive takes time and practice

Not everyone tells you HOW, so here I'm to help you out.

How to maintain a relationship with better communication skills in spite of being firm on your standpoint?

Assertiveness is crucial communication ability. Assertiveness can assist you in effectively expressing yourself and standing up for your opinions while also respecting the rights and beliefs of others.

Being assertive can also help you improve your self-esteem and get respect from others.

Here are some suggestions for becoming more assertive:

• Evaluate your personal style.

Do you speak up or keep your mouth shut?

Do you accept extra labour even if your plate is already full?

Are you quick to pass judgment or assign blame?

Do folks seem apprehensive about speaking with you?

Before you start making modifications, you need first figure out what your personal style is.

• Make use of 'I' statements.

Without seeming accusing, using "I" words helps others know what you're thinking or feeling.

Instead of saying, "You're wrong," say, "I disagree." If you have a request, instead of saying, "You must do this," say, "I would like you to assist me with this."

Keep your demands short and to the point.

• Get in the habit of saying no.

If you have trouble declining requests, try saying, "No, I'm sorry, but I can't do that right now."

Don't be hesitant to speak up. If an explanation is required, keep it to a minimum.

• Practice what you're going to say.

If expressing yourself or your thoughts is difficult, practise general scenarios that you may encounter.

Out loud, say what you want to say, it is also a good idea to write it down first so you don't forget anything.

• Control your emotions.

Most people find it difficult to deal with conflict.

You may become enraged or frustrated, or you may feel compelled to cry. These feelings are normal, yet they might make it difficult to resolve a problem.

If you're feeling very emotional before entering a scenario, try to wait a few moments. Then work on maintaining your composure.

Slow down your breathing. Maintain a steady and even tone in your voice.

• Begin small.

Start by practising your new skills in low-risk situations.

For example, before confronting a difficult situation at work, practise assertiveness with a spouse or friend.

After that, evaluate yourself and make any necessary adjustments to your strategy.

Remember, learning to be assertive takes time and practice.

If you've spent years silencing yourself, becoming more assertive probably won't happen overnight.