One of the skills for increasing interpersonal effectiveness has to do with our nonverbal behavior. Sometimes when we feel self-conscious or have a hard time making a direct request, we fail to make eye contact, speak softly, stammer, change the subject, become sarcastic, mumble, fidget, shake, rock back and forth, speak in a question mark instead of a statement, become overbearing, or joke about the request.
Acting confident communicates to our audience. Part of acting confident may include making direct eye contact, slowing down speech so that it is clear, sitting up straight and pulling the shoulders back, relaxing one’s face or facial expression, and appearing comfortable. Get in touch with your breathing and see if you can find a sense of steadiness, calm, or centered awareness.
Practicing ahead of time what you might say can be helpful. You may even want to practice in a confident and non-confident posture just to notice the difference. Remember: In order for others to take you seriously, you have to take yourself seriously.