Ergh. There’s nothing worse than being stuck for words during a difficult conversation. To be assertive and empowered at work, you definitely need to know how to beat the awkward silences and hold your own. Recently I came across a useful article on this topic. It lists several one-liners which can be used to tackle different difficult situations. They are short, powerful and straight to the point, making them perfect for those moments when you need to think on your feet.

As you read the following list, think about writing down the remarks that strike a chord with you, so you have them ready whenever you need them:

1. Why do you ask that?
2. What do you wish to happen now?
3. I’ll have to get back to you on that.
4. I need some time to think about it.
5. That’s not going to work for me, because…

Memorise a few phrases like these, because they will help you speak up assertively. Bear in mind, assertive communication isn’t about being combative or hostile. It’s about finding your voice, openly expressing yourself and standing up for your beliefs. With practice, you’ll become more proficient in the language of assertiveness, allowing you to navigate challenging discussions with composure and assurance.

Check out the original article here for a longer list of one-liners and tips on how to use them effectively. Practice them with a friend or colleague, so you feel more confident using them in real-life situations. Or start using them in your daily interactions to build your assertiveness muscle.

Remember, difficult conversations are a part of life and work, but with the right tools and techniques like these one-liners, you can handle them with ease. So next time you find yourself in a tricky situation, remember to take a deep breath and use one of these powerful phrases to help guide the conversation.

This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.