Speaking Tactfully

Do you ever find that you have trouble conveying your message to others? Are you too aggressive and abrasive while communicating, or too passive and unsure of your words? Most people fall into one of these two categories. Why? It is usually because they are trying too hard. People have something to prove at some basic level, and while this is essentially a good thing, it is important to listen to what it is that you are saying, how you are saying it, and to make sure you are reading the signals of the person you are in communications with. This is what I consider speaking tactfully.

Some people are born with the gift of gab. They can talk to anyone at anytime, and no matter who they are speaking with, they will always be taken seriously. As for the other 90% of us, communication is definitely somewhat of one-wheeled bicycle that we learn to ride along the way. We fall on our faces in sheer embarrassment thousands of times before we start to get the hang of it.

So how does one speak with tact? A lot of times it can be reduced to knowing when to speak, when not to speak, what mood your partner in communications is in, the tone of your environment(formal or informal), and your level of assuredness in your words. Oh....and eye contact.

Follow these steps, and you will be well on your way to speaking with tact. Although you may fumble a little at first, with a little paractice, you will find yourself having better business meetings, social situations and even relationships. Want a challenge? Start stopping strangers and holding random(but planned conversations) until it feels comfortable and most people start responding to you back fairly quickly. Good luck! Take care everyone!!!!

See you next time!!!