Life Hack: Assertiveness Training- Part 2/2
Earlier this week I discussed how I struggle with assertive communication. Remember that this form of communication requires you to not only be open to the opinions of others, but to also communicate your own. Me, being as passive as I am, was only satisfying half of that requirement.
So anyway, I was saying how even though I was learning this new skill, it was becoming difficult for me to actually put it into practice because these opportunities do not arise as often as I would like. Remember my post on Making and Breaking Habits? The more you practice something, the better you get at it. Well, I just wasn't given that chance. Until, that is, I started receiving calls from telemarketers.
Here me out. Telemarketers are, by far, the most annoying callers you will ever get. They catch you at your worst time and are very reluctant to let you go. Most opt for dealing with telemarketers through either aggressive communication (becoming rude and yelling at them) or passive communication (hanging up on them). This, in my eyes, is the perfect chance to practice assertive communication.
The idea came to me when I received a call from my local bank as they were interested in selling me new products: credit cards, a new line of credit and a tax-free savings account. Me being me, I would have hungup on the caller so that I don't have to tell them NO. However, this day I decided that I would use my assertive communication skills and decline the first offer. I was honest and explained my reason for why I did not want a new credit card (it was a really silly reason too - I don't like too many cards in my wallet). He then moved into trying to sell me a line of credit. I, again, gave him my reasons as to why I did not require a new one, and he let go of that as well. Finally, we peddled into the talk of opening a tax-free savings account. I had explained that I already had one and obviously did not require another. The salesperson eventually exhausted himself of options and kindly let me go.
For once I was able to say NO to someone and it was a firm NO. I didn't have to lie and say, "I'll think about it and give you a call" nor did I convince myself to get the credit card to appease the caller, knowing that I'll never use it. If you want to try this out for yourself, here are a few tips I have come up with to help you through the process.
1. Be open at first- you never know, you may just be interested in what the person has to offer. When we approach a conversation close-minded, we actually become defensive and therefore naturally aggressive. Your aggressiveness prevents you from being assertive.
2. Remember that the telemarketer is only doing his or her job- They're only calling you to sell you products because they are paid to do it. They're not going to take your first NO so easily. I'm sure Pam from Good Duct Cleaning Services is not so passionate about keeping your ducts clean. All she cares about is getting her commission and punching out at the end of her shift. Keep calm and remember that they want to get through this call as smoothly as you do.
3. If you have decided to not go with their products, stick to your guns- You eventually wear them out with your NOs as they'll see that there's no budging from your stance. You don't have to be rude about it either. Simply saying "No thank you" or "I'll pass, thanks" repeatedly can drill the message home. It also gives you some practice in saying "NO" and realizing that the world won't burn over.
4. You don't owe anyone an explanation- Telemarketers ask for reasons why you are not interested in a certain product so that they can find other avenues to convince you otherwise. It's ok to mention that you're simply not interested and that is your choice.
So there you have it, folks. If you're looking for opportunities to practice your assertive communication skills, look no further than telemarketers. Let me know in the comments if you have any other assertive tips or life hacks!