Have you ever thought you should amp up your assertiveness in conversation, especially in work situations or around people around whom you need to maintain strong boundaries? Here are three tips that have worked for me:

Cut Back on the 'Sorrys' - You know how we often throw in an "I'm sorry" here and there? Time to shake that off. Swap out those sorrys with something like thanks or acknowledgment. Like, switch "I'm sorry, I'm late" to "Thanks for waiting." It's a small change, but it really switches up the vibe from kinda submissive to more in control.

Trust Your Thoughts - Your ideas are gold. Don't start with "This is probably dumb, but..." Dive in with confidence. Try kicking off with something like, "Can I add to that?" or "Let's explore this a bit more." It shows you're not just participating; you're leading the conversation.

'No' is Your Friend - And hey, 'no' is a full-on, complete sentence. If you're not cool with something, it's okay to stick to that. People might not always be thrilled about it, but they'll respect you for being clear and standing your ground. It's all about respecting yourself.

By giving these a go, you're not just talking; you're communicating with purpose. Assertiveness is all about balancing respect for yourself and others. Practice these, and you'll notice a big shift in your interactions. Go on, give them a try and see if they work for you.