Agenda

Speaking up and getting heard

• A matter of timing: when you're most likely to be heard and when it's better to hold your tongue
• Crucial differences in the ways men and women communicate — and how to use this awareness to get more respect
• The simple secret of creating immediate rapport
• How taking yourself seriously affects the way others see you … and specific ways to demonstrate your own self-respect
• Tips for gently redefining relationships with your coworkers so they know where you stand and how you want to be treated
• A way to make requests that actually encourages people to cooperate with you

Moving from self-consciousness to self-confidence

• Ways to mentally prepare for a difficult confrontation … an all-important presentation … or a high-powered meeting
• Courage-builders to help you face high-stakes situations and difficult people
• Specific techniques that enable you to keep your composure when you feel yourself losing control
• How to listen (and respond) to what people mean, not what they say

Setting limits without making enemies

• What to do when you're ignored or interrupted (so you don't get flustered and do get results)
• How to criticize others in a way that minimizes resentment and defensiveness
• When you're being criticized: how to stay open to the message without overreacting or being "hurt"
• Ways to respond to intimidation or bullying
• Empathy: your secret weapon for defusing a hothead
• How to say "no" in a way people respect
• What to do when people don't respect your limits
• Specific techniques for dealing with lying, guilt trips, and unreasonable requests
• How to avoid inconsistent behaviors that make it harder for you to set limits the next time

Gaining visibility and getting ahead

• 5 steps that help you manage the stress of speaking in groups
• How to be an "active player" and contribute during meetings
• When you want to sell your point of view: how to make your idea their idea
• How to react to a challenge so you come across even stronger
• A quick and simple way to get over your fear of speaking up
• How to use conflicts to build stronger relationships