Preparation is powerful. But here’s the trap I see so many fall into: they spend all their time practicing the “why” behind their ask… and almost no time practicing the “what.”
When negotiating salary, budget, or new opportunities, leaders will confidently talk about their accomplishments and impact. But when the conversation turns to “So what are your salary expectations?”—their voice changes, their tone drops, and their confidence wavers. Yes, making a bold ask, especially a pecuniary one, is uncomfortable, but it does not have to be!
Here are three ways to sound even more confident making a big ask::
- Say the number—or the resource—out loud, multiple times.
- Slow your speaking.
- Land the plane. End with a steady, descending tone that conveys confidence (An ascending tone conveys asking permission and uncertainty.).
In order for others to be confident that our ‘ask’ is a good idea, we must be confident in ourselves first. Remember, the research tells us that only 7% of what we say is interpreted by our words. The rest is via tone, body language, cadence, etc. Our mind determines our behavior, and that conscious AND unconscious behavior is picked up by the other side.
👉 Watch the full video here.
So if you’ve got a big conversation coming up, practice your ‘ask’ until it feels natural, grounded, and strong. Then, practice some more! You are worthy of what you’re asking for. And when you practice the ‘what’, you’ll not only be heard—you’ll have more confidence in yourself which results in others having more confidence in you.
💬 What’s one tip or practice that’s helped you feel more confident in asking for what you deserve?Share your perspective and experiences.
If you’re a leader looking to negotiate your compensation … or gain clarity on ‘what’s next’ … or learn how to lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.
Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl