How to speak up at work without being rude

· Learn to say no

Say ‘No’ when you can’t do anything, don’t be rude while rejecting. Calmly say no and also state the reason for the same. When you learn to say no you also get the confidence to speak up if something is against you. When your boss or manager or a colleague gives you extra work, you must be comfortable saying no.

· Offer constructive criticism

Sometimes offer constructive criticism if it’s in your place to do so. Asking someone to change something positively is constructive criticism. If you are criticising without being constructive you might come out as offensive. If a person at your workplace, doesn’t like being criticised avoid sharing your views to them.

· Don’t raise your voice

At any point of time, don’t raise your voice. When you speak up, be calm and composed. Keep your tone low so you don’t appear as a rude personality. Anything can be solved peacefully, issues grow when there is aggressiveness. So be relaxed and speak at a lower tone.

· Have a calm body language

Lowering your tone and having an aggressive body language is not going to help. Along with a calm tone, your body should be calm and relaxed. Your anger, resentment, dissatisfaction is not necessarily to be expressed rudely. It might offend other people around.

· Be clear and prepared

Be clear about what you want to say. State your opinions clearly, ask what you want clearly without any hesitation. If you are not willing do something state it clearly. Be straightforward and not demeaning towards another person.