Celebrities, business leaders, politicians are often respected for “speaking their mind.” Often we get hired for being clear, assertive and “pulling no punches.”

Often times we are unaware when we step over the line and become perceived as insensitive unless a friend, colleague or boss let’s us know. The more you “get away” with risky communication, the more risks we take. Often when speaking in seminars, until I get the blank stare, or “Whoa” sound from the audience, or I receive evaluations, I may not know if I stepped over the line.

This week, two crucial situations provided great examples of stepping over the line. The CEO of BP, Tony Hayward who was perceived as handling a major oil spill crisis in a proactive manner, offended all of his potential supports and the government by stating “It wasn’t our accident,” he told the Today Show on Monday. Pressed by anchor Meredith Vieira, Hayward claimed: “the drilling rig was a Transocean drilling rig. It was their rig and their equipment that failed, run by their people, their processes.”

That statement caused an outcry from Gulf States suffering from the oil spill to call for more government oversight rather than rely on expert BP employees.

Tuesday, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, commenting on Erin Andrews’ outfit on Dancing with the Stars said: “In light of what happened … and as inexcusable as it was for that horrific guy to go in and try to peep on her in her hotel room … I mean, in some way if I [was] him, I [would be] like, ‘Man! I just could’ve waited 12 weeks and seen this — a little bit less — without the prison time!’” On May 5, 2010, Hasselbeck apologized on the View and privately to Erin Andrews. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Hasselbeck has been told, even by her show co-hosts that she was insensitive and “way over the top.” Assertive communication is saying what you mean. Aggressive communication is when you harm the rights of others.

Once people at work (or home) change their perception of you, or if you are perceived being aggressive it’s difficult to gain back trust or change the perception. The fact is, one year of perfect behavior/communication, followed by one mistake, can reinforce people’s negative perception of you.

Whether you are in the public eye or not, here are some quick tips for staying on the assertive rather than aggressive side of Smart Communication:
• Prepare notes, and refer to them during meetings or presentations.
• If possible, record your ideas and play them back to yourself. How would you feel if you were the recipient?
• Talk to a trusted source before you have to speak at the meeting or with a boss or client.
• If you are put on the spot, or speaking off the cuff, take a deep breath and think for a moment. It’s okay to say, “Please just give me a moment to think, or could you repeat the question?

Nobody at work or home expects you to speak like a professional. However, if you practice simple, Smart Communication techniques you can quickly be perceived as an excellent, Smart Communicator. Tune in Sunday morning when we talk on Blog talk Radio, the Consultant/Insultant at 8:30 AM http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consultantinsultant