How do I become more tactful?

Question

I mean this in a behavioural sense and in asking people for favours and in terms of being less direct/harsh sounding...

mean this in a behavioural sense and in asking people for favours and in terms of being less direct/harsh sounding.......I'm often much too direct, but at the same time I want to give my honest opinion or in other cases, I just dont know how to phrase my sentence when asking for favours/help...

Answer 1

I think the best way is: pick a person that you admire for being "tactful" and kind and pleasant in all their communications. Somebody that perhaps you would like to be like. Before you speak, think of that person and think to yourself "how would he/she handle this situation, what would he/she say?" and act accordingly. After a while it will become you.

Answer 2

well been more tack-full, is like riding a bike ,once you have master the game it gets easy er to handle it , perhaps you like the affect ,that been less tack full has on some people? I'm only guessing that your not happy about your situation ,one way to try changing is to think before you speak,and try saying things is a softer tone ,even a low tone , we humans respond to a lower tone rather than a harsh one , if you want or need something , it would make sense to me to ask nicely if instead shouting from a far ?

Answer 3

Also think about mitigation in a linguistic sense. Mitigation basically is when you use softer words. For instance, if you were in the army and you were a common soldier, how would you ask the general for a favor or request something from him? Not being scared or intimidated, but being direct, clear, and to the point but doing so respectfully. Or, if your mom has a bad hairdo, do you crap on her feeling and say,It looks like crap, or do you gently explain it isn't great nicely. Two key words there-respectfully and nicely. Yay!!!

Answer 4

By thinking long and hard before you speak to other people. If you spew out the first thing that comes into your head, we tend not to formulate our words and they can come out very untactful. Also, try listening to how others talk and gather ideas about how tactful they come across. That's what I did and I learned alot from just listening.

Answer 5

I can relate to what you are saying. Sometimes I am too direct, also. I just want to be myself and be straightforward, but I don't want to offend or hurt peoples feelings. Probably remembering that this has been a problem could be a reminder to be more considerate.

Answer 6

Think before opening your mouth. Put yourself in the other persons shoes. See the other person as your equall. Increase your inner dictionary, find more specific words to describe what you are saying.

Answer 7

well to be tactful one has to learn to talk sweetly, and tell whtever is in ur mind using these sweet words, u can say< if i was in ur place i wouldn't do such n such a thing, as ..... and give ur reasons.

Answer 8

think befor you speak its always a good thing