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BEST PRACTICES & STRATEGIES

Easy tips to feel more resilient and controlled

Communication is ingrained in every facet of life, yet me.” Or, when you’re at a loss for words, you can
many struggle with fear, insecurity and general assert, “I could have sworn that I packed my tongue
ineffectiveness when they find themselves eye to eye today” and lighten the moment. Having such short
with someone to present ideas, address complicated statements up your proverbial sleeve helps to avoid
situations, express feelings, negotiate or just “sell them stumbling your way through awkward moments.
self”—all whether in a personal or professional context.
2. Give in to vulnerability. Vulnerability often equals
According to Megan Rokosh, a global business likability and they are indelibly connected—so use
communications expert with over 12 years of agency that truth to your benefit! There’s not much more off-
public relations, media and creative strategy experience, putting than arrogance and seeming vulnerable can
“Some people are paralyzed with fear at the very thought make you more relatable. If you’re nervous and
of taking an idea and communicating it, both in the kicking off a meeting, tell your audience to “be
workplace and in their everyday life. However, gentle with you” and have a quick laugh to loosen
confidence can be significantly bolstered by heeding everyone—and yourself--up. Self-effacing humor
even a few simple strategies—some basics and can be a powerful tool. Or, if you’re having a difficult
essentials—that can improve one’s poise and self- time understanding something, you can say, “I’m so
assurance...and results of the endeavor at hand.” sorry if I’m holding us up here, but would you mind
explaining one more time?” Your contrition will
Here are three of Rokosh’s confidence-building
communications requisites: surely endear.
3. Address adversities head on. You will
1. Craft situation diffusion dialogue. Create an
assortment of “go-to” statements you can have at-the- undoubtedly face times at work and at home that
ready to handle awkward or hard situations and require you to address something difficult. Although
moments. These are assertions and declarations that challenging and scary, the situation usually must to
you know work well and that you can whip out quickly be addressed to be effectively resolved. Great
when needed. For example, if you are late to a social leaders always speak up and you should, too! Make
outing, rehearse saying “I’m so sorry I kept you clear from the beginning that you intend to hear and
waiting, my rule is when I’m late, all the drinks are on consider the other person’s side, stating something
like, “Your perspective is valid and really want to

20 October 2018 - Personalized & Customer-Centric Content Marketing