If someone asks you to do something that you are unable to do or don’t want to do—simply say, “no”.

Some examples:

You are asked to a party you are unable to attend:

You say: “Thank you for invitation, though I already have other commitments for that time.”

You say: “My schedule is packed that day and I won’t be able to make it.”

You say: “It’s been a rough week and I planned to stay home that night and take time for myself. Thanks for invitation.”

Your boss asks you to handle a new project that you couldn’t possibly finish on time.

You say: “Our department is currently involved with three other projects. In order to finish this project on time, one of those projects will need a time extension or to be delegated to another department. Is there someone else who can handle this project or can one of our other projects be delegated to another team?”

You say: “Can deadline for this project be extended to end of month?” If ‘no’, then use answer above.

You say: “That project will require my undivided attention. Which of other items we are working on can I delegate to Mike?”

Sitting in food court in mall one Saturday afternoon, I overheard a woman telling her husband about a ridiculous request made to her by her boss. The husband asked her how she responded to request and his exasperated wife exclaimed, “It’s my boss! What was I going to say…no?”

Saying “no” effectively is a powerful tool. Those who say no successfully have more control over their schedules and feel more in control of their lives, especially when it comes to saying no to authority figures. It’s a tiny word, but is jam packed with power. Learn how to use is effectively and you will increase your power exponentially.

2.Learn to speak and present effectively. People who communicate well in group settings are viewed as leaders. This perception will get you noticed and help you stand out as someone who is worthy of promotion and other opportunities and bonuses. The number one reason why most people are terrible presenters stems back to speech development. The purpose of business presentations are to inform, persuade or both. Therefore, structure of presentation must be clear and not bogged down with unnecessary information.

One of biggest mistakes presenters make is trying to fit too much information into too short a period of time. They jam paragraphs of information on slides and handouts and begin to drone, ignoring time restrictions and forgetting completely about audiences needs. Simplify your presentation and only have highlights and supporting information on slides and handouts. Don’t overwhelm your audience with too much information at once and avoid having more than five main points for entire presentation.

The adult human brain can only absorb small chucks of oral information at one time. If you have to present for long periods of time, be sure to build in small breaks – even if breaks are only five minutes.

Presenting to a group may be nerve-racking, even paralyzing for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. Effective presenters know simple secrets on how to craft and deliver good speeches. If you feel scattered, nervous or ineffective when you present to groups, you owe it to yourself and your career to take a public speaking training course or at least buy an audio CD or book on how to improve your skills.

3.Quantify and Present Value When volleying for a raise, a promotion or new client contract it is crucial that you know how to specifically explain value. Though it is impossible to quantify value of everything, most things can be measured. When you communicate in quantifiable terms, people are more likely to understand value. If you can quantify gain of doing what you want or loss by not doing it, you will be more successful in getting it.

Rather than telling your boss you want a raise, quantifiably show him why he should give raise to you.

Weak Raise Request: “I’ve been with company for a long time and I’m a good and dependable employee who works hard.” PowHERful Raise Request: “Over last 18 months, six software projects I worked on for company have attributed to a 13% reduction in customer complaints, a 29% increase in production, and a 43% increase in online orders. These improvements have resulted in a $1.5 million in profits for company.” See how quantified example got right to “bottom line”? It is here, at bottom line where nearly all business decisions are made. Let numbers do persuading for you. Numbers are tangible. Numbers are concrete. Numbers mean value. Value speaks volumes.

By mastering above three skills and continuing to improve your assertive communication skills you will no longer be trapped by glass ceiling or any other barrier which may get in you way. You will be an assertive, powHERful business person worthy of raises, promotions and anything else you decide you deserve.