Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition, 3rd Edition

Outspoken by whom?

—DOROTHY PARKER, WHEN TOLD SHE WAS VERY OUTSPOKEN

8

STATE MY PATH

How to Speak Persuasively, Not Abrasively

So far, we’ve gone to great pains to prepare ourselves to step up to and master Crucial Conversations. Here’s what we’ve learned. Our hearts need to be in the right place, and our heads need to be focused on the right topic. We need to let go of the clever stories that are keeping us stuck. We need to learn to look closely at how people are engaging in the dialogue—particularly when people start feeling unsafe—so that we can restore safety when necessary.

So let’s say that we are well prepared. We’re ready to open our mouths and start sharing our point of view. That’s right, we’re actually going to express our opinion. ...