Effective Speach

There is infinitely more to be gained through cooperation than through confrontation. -- Ralph Marston

As I digest upon those words, I recall the many times I’ve blacked out due to something not going my way or by the lack of customer service by a so-called customer service rep. It is in fact out of character for me to act that way, as I truly dislike confrontation and discord. Fortunately for me, I’ve grown enough to know how to properly articulate my thoughts combined with the right choice of words to effectively, yet politely tell someone off. I find myself amused by how powerful doing that is. I’m not looked at like some raving loon who has nothing better to do than to draw unnecessary attention to herself, I’m looked at with respect and sensibility. Whatever that person is really thinking inside is anyone’s guess, but knowing that I’ve proved or made my point without embarrassing myself serves me well. I’ve been told you get more with sugar than salt anyway.

Almost a year ago, I had an incident with a car dealership where I was misled and given a vehicle that was not what I wanted. I promptly made my dissatisfaction with the salesperson known and referred to the “powers that be” from that point on to rectify the situation. After being the run around, I used my effective speaking and writing abilities to report my growing disdain with the situation and requested a prompt resolution. Their attempts of pacifying me were futile because their words and actions were not in compliance with how they claim they do business. I continued to report my growing frustration via phone and email hoping to resolve the matter. Again, things did not go as they said, so I did what I’m good at. I showed up, put on my game face and in less that 500 words told them what they could do for me and how. Within a week I had what I was supposed to get and then some. Naturally, I was met with some resistance; however, they could not break me. I continued on my mission until fully satisfied and won the battle and the war. Just as the power of the pen is mightier than the sword, so is the power of a sugared tongue tainted with salt. (I just made that up…lol)

Seriously though, think about the negative situations you’re in and then think of how you can get what you want out of it without blowing your top. You’ll find yourself successful in making your point and commanding the respect you probably deserved in the first place. Also, check out Can We Just Calm Down for a poetic take on the subject.