Taking charge of your conversations and speaking: The language of power

If you feel as if you're giving ground too much in conversational exchanges or meetings, a new books suggests ways to change the way you approach power--and includes a section on how your speaking can affect the balance of power.  How to become fluent in the language of power is an excerpt from the book No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think about Powerthat looks at how women use language--words and body language--and offers advice on how to navigate conversations. Author Gloria Feldt suggests that:

Because men still control most of the clout positions in this country, we do need to become fluent in different conversational styles—and in asking directly for what we need, or what we desire, rather than hoping that our indirect statements will be interpreted correctly. And at the same time, we must insist that men reciprocate by understanding and becoming fluent in our communication styles, too.

Understanding your conversational and presenting style is critical to the process, Feldt notes.  Check out this new resource!

Go here to subscribe to Step Up Your Speaking, my free email newsletter that looks at a different speaking topic in depth each month...then become a fan of The Eloquent Woman on Facebook and join the conversation with thousands of other women (and men) about public speaking skills and confidence.