The question I hear most from women audiences when I speak is “how do I get taken seriously, or how do I make myself heard?”

Here are three tips to help you get ahead whether you are talking to your spouse, your employer or anyone else for that matter!

1. Effective communication includes verbal as well as non-verbal skills. Remember that body language speaks volumes.

a. Look the other person in the eye as you speak.
b. Speak at the same rate as the other person, not faster and definitely not slower.

2. Consider coaching to help you be an effective communicator. This is especially important in the business environment.

3. Never interrupt the other person. Put your opinion out there then listen attentively to what the other person is saying. By really listening while the other person speaks you might find them to be more open to hearing you when it’s your turn.

Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well it takes practice! I have a strong personality and at times will interrupt to get my point across, so number three is the hardest one for me. I have to keep practicing!

Wise women don’t allow others to manipulate them, however sometimes the softer approach is the better one!

This entry was posted on Friday, July 24th, 2009 at 12:17 am and is filed under Women Only. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.