COMMUNICATE! Recall a situation in which you lost your temper at a friend or family member. Were you under stress from a different source at the time? Try to practice coming up with a better way to handle such an encounter next time. For example, "I know you want to talk about who's responsible for getting the car fixed, but I'm really under pressure to finish this assignment right now. Can we talk later?"
COMMUNICATE! Many speakers suffer from the stress of performance anxiety, yet it can be a positive force if channeled effectively. Identify one or more individuals whose public speaking style you admire, such as an instructor, a boss, or a local community or group leader. Ask them whether they experience stress before giving a talk or presentation and, if so, how they turn it into a positive force. Would any of their strategies be effective for you the next time you have to give a class presentation or a speech?
COMMUNICATE! Learning to say no--whether to extra work or extra play--is an important part of effective time management. If you don't have enough time for something that your friends are pressuring you to do, you may need to use assertive communication to maintain control of your own time. Begin by knowing your priorities and believing in your right to decide what you will do. Remain calm in the face of pressure and don't feel guilty about saying no. For example, "I'd like to go to the club with you, but I have to get started on my English paper. I have only this week to work on it, and it's important to me. I'm sorry you don't have anyone else to go with right now--I could go on Friday if you're available.
