"Easy" Ways to Make a Request 

Communication plays a powerful role in our lives, and using a few effective and simple tools will ensure that this role is well intended, for everyone. especially when you are asking someone to implement a new course of action; be it a significant other, your child, an associate, or _______. With the latter, you fill in the blank!

One will be far more likely being successful if the request is made in a non-offensive manner. For many, a gentle and polite request or reminder may be the only thing necessary to nudge them into action.

Don't rush through what you want to say. Talk deliberately (but not so slow that you appear to be a robot).

Making things clear is very important. Narrow the focus by choosing one thing; choose a subject. Then, if possible, narrow the frame of reference down to a few words or a sentence. For example; the topic of conversation or subject with your teenager is "dishwasher". The frame of reference is: Please, unload the dishwasher before bedtime.

This technique adds an extra punch and clears the head of cobwebs and clutter. It forces one to peel away all the extraneous stuff and really focus. And, a focused, targeted message is always more memorable.

You are asking your target audience (or individual) to look at, and then implement another way of doing things, so amplification is another tool that comes in handy. Do not assume that someone has heard what you have said simply because you have said it. Restating ones request over again assists them to remember.

If a request isn't put into action they're only words. Sometimes the listener has to remember their reasons for doing so. This is why condensing the request into a few words is important. It makes it more memorable, and easy for everyone to repeat!

One final thought. Do not ever make a request for an action if you are not willing to take the time to insure that it is done as requested, and at the time requested. This will establish very clearly that you: say what you mean, mean what you say, and do what you say you are going to do. And it makes you credible!

© by Mary Kay Buttery