Here's how you can assertively communicate effectively in a consulting setting.

In order to communicate assertively in consulting, it is essential to recognise your value. Acknowledge the special abilities and perspectives you provide. Your capacity to speak with conviction is enhanced when you are confident in your value proposition. Since your clients are in need of your knowledge, make sure to express it clearly in your professional judgements and suggestions. Being confident in your worth not only makes it easier for you to speak up for yourself, but it also gives your clients confidence, which promotes a fruitful consultant-client connection.

Knowing and recognizing your value is critical, but the other essential side of that coin is knowing where your skis end and when you're leaning too far over them. Earn credibility and trust with clients by not overstating your value. Never be afraid to admit when you don't know something; it's worse to pretend and be wrong. Build a network of SMEs for areas you don't cover so that as soon as you're at the limit of your expertise, you have a referral to someone you partner with. That way, the client knows that whether you know the answer or not, you always have them covered with the needed expertise. Then, when you speak with conviction, they'll never hesitate to rely on your advice.

Understand your skills and expertise. Be confident in what you bring to the table. This confidence helps you communicate more effectively and assertively.

Understand where the other person is coming from, clarify time and again. Don't jump to any conclusions, be specific and don't hesitate to ask questions as I said previously.

Active listening is often best reflected in asking insightful questions. You can only ask insightful questions if you listen. In fact, sometimes, the fastest way to show you have not been listening is to speak before you've concentrated on what is being said. Listen more, talk less, and understand what the client is saying. Then, ask questions to make sure you truly understand their needs and concerns. Questions are a fantastic way to get someone to reconsider a position without asking them to reconsider. Ask questions authentically, with a genuine desire to know the answer, and preferably without a bias towards what you want the answer to be. This not only ensures you're actively listening, but it also facilitates discussion immensely.

Pay close attention when others are speaking. Show that you understand their points by summarizing and asking questions. Active listening builds trust and ensures clear communication.

Balance positive framing with being direct. Most professionals value their time, and delaying things to soften a blow, rather than being direct about what went wrong, will annoy them. Softening the blow with some positivity can be very helpful, but be careful not to overdo it; when addressing challenges or delivering constructive criticism, it often helps to rip off the bandaid, tell the truth, and soften the sting before moving on. Explain what went wrong and why, acknowledge that one mistake is a mistake by all, and then work together as a team to learn from it and figure out how it can be improved or prevented next time. Americans often hesitate to speak negatively - don't. Be real, be kind, be positive briefly, then move on.

Present your ideas and feedback in a positive manner. Focus on solutions and constructive criticism. This helps maintain a positive and productive atmosphere.

Mark Twain famously said, “I apologize for such a long letter - I didn't have time to write a short one.” Give others the gift of doing your homework, and take the time to express your thoughts clearly and concisely. Saying more with less is a valuable skill, and it shows that you value others' time by taking less of it to read your message.

Keep your messages clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details. Being concise helps others understand your message quickly and clearly.

Using "I" statements is better than using "you." Using "we" statements is often better than using "I" and "you." As a consultant, the faster you can get to "we" and operating as a team, the better.

Express your thoughts and feelings using "I" statements, such as "I think" or "I feel." Avoid excessive use. Remember, where to use 'we', 'I', and 'you'.

Consider others' perspectives and feelings. Show that you understand and care about their viewpoints. Practicing empathy helps build stronger relationships and fosters effective communication.