How do you stop someone rambling off topic in a meeting without sounding rude? Do you sometimes feel you have lost any control of a conversation or meeting and you are not getting your questions answered or ideas heard? Does this begin to erode your confidence?

You don't have to be agressive to be assertive.  You just need some tactics in your communication toolkit.

This episode gives 3 practical techniques you can use to interrupt nicely and take back control!

5 minutes - 3 Steps.  This is part of a series of shorter episodes.  The interviews will return in the Autumn and be alternated with the short format episodes.  

For more on all things 'unsquashing' visit my website www.trishalewis.com - links to my book and TEDx talk and more.

To give and receive compliments without feeling awkward takes practice. The advantages of compliments is they create connection and often trigger more conversation. It's more than a social skill. 3 Steps in 5 minutes to help you feel less self-conscious about giving and receiving compliments.

For more resources on all things communication and confidence - head to trishalewis.com. 

Stop feeling bland and start owning your unique perspective. 5 mins 3 steps. Show up and share your inisghts, questions and unique vibe and stop falling into the comparisonitis and 'should' traps.  This short and sweet episode shares 3 very practical tips - and they come from experience.

More about 'Self Squashing' and links to my book (The Mystery of the Squashed Self) and TEDx Talk (Beware the Self Squashing Prophecy) HERE: https://www.trishalewis.com/unsquashing-project/

When you hear 'communicate assertively' do you think 'communicate aggressively'?! Can making yourself heard in a room full of talkers feel awkward? Do you give up and sit back rather than offer your insights and ask your questions?  These 3 tips are perfect for introverts and reflective thinkers.  In these short summer episodes I explore a communication topic in 5 minutes with 3 steps to take.

Show more personality in your content. Be brave about sharing your unique perspective on social media in blogs and articles. Take small steps with a supportive community around you - get real with that 'fear of rejection' that holds you back - and has you 'self-squashing' rather than showing up to share your insights, achievements and questions.

My guest Anna Bravington is the Co-founder of 'Those That Dare' - specialising n content strategy and written content across all digital platforms.

She makes it real.

Listen through to the end - the gems never stop!

I ask Anna my 2 'Make it Real' questions - 'What is the biggest myth in your arena?' 'What is one practical action listeners can take right now?' You will love the answers.

Sign up to get all episode links as soon as they drop! Plus genuinely useful tips on staying unsquashed as you grow your business! https://www.trishalewis.com/unsquasher-fortnightly/

If you like this - you'll like these: 

TEDx Talk - 'Beware the Self Squashing prophecy https://youtu.be/mJryj846NIQ

The Mystery of the Squashed Self - Buy the book! Available on Amazon or find out more on https://trishalewis.com/the-mystery-o...

Make it Real Podcast - subscribe on platform of your choice or go to https://www.trishalewis.com/podcast/

Do you want to communicate assertively? Does the word have bad associations for you? This episode will remove the negative vibes and equip you with 3 actionable steps to become a communicator who engages and influences. You don't need to be bossy and domineering to be assertive! 

3 things you might currently be doing without realising it - very human things - and 3 ways to stop these and become more assertive in the process.

As a small business owner you have to meet people at networking or other business events.  You will have to face up to your fear of small talk.  Try these 3 tactics to completely reframe what small talk is and even enjoy it. 

This is a 5 minute episode inspired by the previous episode (118).  You will no longer feel like hiding in the loo or going back to the car park when you see a room full of strangers!  You will make connections and maybe even gain clients. 

LinkedIn for Small Business. How to build relationships and make sales authentically. Louise Brogan takes you through the 4 Pillars of Profile, Network, Content and Messaging.  

In the podcast you will learn:

• How to be authentic and professional on LinkedIn

Make It Real is the refreshingly real and really useful podcast for small business owners who are keen to learn from others but deliver with their own stamp and soul.  This show, hosted by the forensic ‘unsquasher’ Trisha Lewis, will equip and inspire listeners to show up and share - with fearless joy. 

Described as being like ‘sitting down for a natter and a cuppa with a pal’ - Trisha’s enthusiasm, curiosity and easy on the ears voice will pull you in - and her ability to pick fascinating guests and get the very best out of them - inspiring! There is natural humour and plenty of lightbulb moments that ping in real time. 

For more information about this week’s episode, head to https://trishalewis.com/make-it-real-podcast/

Inspired by Ep 116 where Jen Louden shone a positive light on the question 'why bother' - I give you small business owners 3 reframes when comparisonitis throws you down the 'what's the point' spiral.

Jennifer Louden is a personal growth expert and author of the bestselling ‘Why Bother’ – she is also a realist. We talk without self-help cliches about why and how you need to keep bothering – and why asking yourself ‘why bother?’ is crucial. A timely reminder to tap into your desires and ‘do’ - even when the world around you feels like a mess. As she says – ‘it’s time to get your bother on’.

In this episode we talk about:

• How to keep growing after a long time in business

A thought-provoking quote from Jennifer’s book – Why Bother

“Taking action is about opening yourself to caring and learning rather than rushing to certainty, success, or pleasing others.”

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Make It Real is the refreshingly real and really useful podcast for small business owners who are keen to learn from others but deliver with their own stamp and soul.  This show, hosted by the forensic ‘unsquasher’ Trisha Lewis, will equip and inspire listeners to show up and share - with fearless joy. 

Described as being like ‘sitting down for a natter and a cuppa with a pal’ - Trisha’s enthusiasm, curiosity and easy on the ears voice will pull you in - and her ability to pick fascinating guests and get the very best out of them - inspiring! There is natural humour and plenty of lightbulb moments that ping in real time. 

For more information about this week’s episode, head to https://trishalewis.com/podcast/