Navigating difficult conversations with confidence and grace is important in most areas of life. You’ll have to navigate these conversations if you want a promotion, a raise, or more autonomy over your work or yourself. Fortunately, there’s an art to handling difficult conversations that makes the whole process easier and less stressful. 

Here are six ways to handle difficult conversations when advocating for yourself:

Prepare Beforehand

Adequate preparation serves as the cornerstone for handling challenging conversations with finesse. Invest time contemplating your intended message and the most suitable approach. Foster empathy by imagining yourself in their position to anticipate and address potential objections. Refine your talking points through consistent practice until you feel at ease. Envision each scenario you may face and develop a well-thought-out strategy to effectively manage each.

Stay Focused on the Issue at Hand

When having a difficult conversation, stay focused on the matter at hand. Avoid getting sidetracked by emotions or personal attacks. Stick to the facts and present your case clearly. Use can deal with those emotions or feelings later.

Listen First

Effective communication requires listening and responding appropriately. Proper listening skills take just as much work as speaking. Take a breath and be present in the conversation. Give the other person time to respond, and actively listen to what they say. If you have other thoughts, you know you are not doing it right.

Know Your Limit and Don’t Overreact

Set boundaries and know your emotional limits in difficult conversations. It’s okay to pause and take a few moments before responding. Be mindful of your reactions, as they will determine the outcome of the conversation. Take responsibility for your actions, and don’t let yourself get overly emotional. If you know you need to end the conversation, find a respectful way.

Use Empathy and Understanding

Giving the other person empathy and understanding is important during difficult conversations. Everyone has a valid point of view that should be listened to with open ears. Showing genuine interest in what the other party says builds trust and creates an environment of mutual understanding. 

End on a Positive Note

Ending on a positive note diffuses tension and concludes the conversation on a good note. Express gratitude for the other person’s time and willingness to listen. Recap the key points of the conversation and restate your goals. This will set the stage for future conversations.

Handling difficult conversations is crucial in self-advocacy. Your voice matters, and you have the right to speak up for yourself. Have courage, be firm in your convictions, remain open-minded, and focus on staying positive. With these strategies, you will be able to handle any difficult conversation that comes your way.