Courageous Conversations

Are you one of those people that shy away from difficult conversations or would rather run a mile than speak up and be assertive? You are not alone!  
In this short blog today, I will share with you my 5 top tips to become a more empowered person and enjoy the benefits of empowered communication. This is a topic I speak about regularly, whether it is with my Life Coaching Clients, team building days or professional speaking on empowerment at events.  
5 Steps for Empowered and Courageous Conversations: 

• Soothe your mind to Safety. The reason why so many of us run away from conflict is that we fear something bad will happen. This can range from someone getting angry at us, or simply because we want to be liked so much that we don't want to do anything to risk another person not liking us! Therefore, it's so important to soothe your mind into a feeling of safety. (You can read more about this in my book 'The Confidence Coach' www.theconfidencecoachbook.com) 
  
• Ask yourself ‘What is the worst can happen?’. The chances are that you won't die nor will you starve if you have an empowered conversation. However, our mind does run away with us on all the things that can go wrong. Challenge your thoughts and ask yourself 'What is the worst that can happen?'  
  
• Care about how you feel. I write about the importance of caring how you feel regularly in my blog at www.amazingcoaching.com.au. The fact remains, if you care about how you feel, you will not be willing to put up with unwanted negative feelings or situations. As a result, you are more likely to speak up, be assertive and ask for what you want.  
  
• Write it down / Practice. Many of us may always feel nervous in having courageous conversations so set yourself up for success by practising what you want to say beforehand.    
  
• Stick to the facts rather than Opinions. Use 'I feel' statements and stick to the truth of how you feel. Don't get into blame - just be open and honest and ask for what you want.  
  

 
Lisa Phillips is a Sydney based Life and Confidence Coach. She is also the author of 'The Confidence Coach' book. Lisa is a regular on TV / Media and regularly runs workshops for large and small organisations on empowerment, confidence and resilience. She is also a highly popular and engaging speaker.