Actions speak louder than words. This statement is more than a cliché, it’s a fact. We are always communicating. Our smile, gestures, voice, and handshake all send out messages to those around us.

Nonverbal cues indicate what is really being said. In fact, repeated studies show that more than 90% of your message’s meaning is transmitted nonverbally. Even as we sit in silence, we are sending messages. There is no such thing as “not communicating.”

The big question is: Are you aware or clueless? How are you perceived in your everyday communication—meetings, one-on-one conversations, presentations? Does your nonverbal communication enhance your message or detract from it?

What we say isn’t always we way we are perceived. How we say it often determines how we are perceived and how we are regarded in the business world. This is especially critical for women because women have historically struggled for the credibility that man are granted by virtue of their gender. Women have to make a greater impression to gain equal attention.

Jan 24

How To Say No

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One problem with wanting to be liked is you agree to requests from others without looking at your needs. Over the years I have met many people who would automatically say “yes”, thinking that it would help them make friends and be liked. Unfortunately, just saying “yes” means you get used and abused. Learning to say “no” is an important part of confident communication (or assertiveness). It is part of recognizing your rights and respecting your needs.

If saying no to someone makes them angry and stomp off - well what sort of friendship is that? They will go and find someone else to take advantage of. True friendship is based on recognizing each others needs, not just our own.

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