Remember a time when you felt that you weren’t being listened to?
Maybe your friend didn’t agree with your plans after college, or your parents think you should be a doctor instead of a store manager. These are important decisions and can make you feel a sense of frustration and unfairness. Right?
It’s important to speak up and make sure you’re being listened to. But you might not be sure how to do this.
Here are 5 tips to help you out!
If something someone has said or done doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. Trust that you know unfairness of any kind when you see it.
When speaking up for yourself, speak in a calm and clear voice. Walk away for a few minutes if you feel frustrated. This will help you stay calm and think about what to say.
The other person may have a different opinion, but they always have a right to be heard. That way, you can better understand different people and different ways that people think about things. Sometimes it’s okay not to agree on where to study after high school or where to work, and that’s okay.
Use “I” at the beginning of your sentence. Saying stuff like “I feel that it wasn’t nice to interrupt me while I was speaking just now” is better than “What is wrong with you? Don't interrupt me”. Remember that people respond better when they don’t feel targeted.
Explain these in a calm way. For example, maybe you would like your parents to consider your choice of college. Explain that to them in an honest and respectful way.
Speaking up is very important, your voice and your ideas are important. Tell us in the com