1. Be authentic. Defensive stances trigger offensive behaviors. Shed your armor and open up to others in calm, straightforward conversations.
2. Be direct. Tell your truth, and your whole truth. If you only say half of what you mean, people will perceive your position as shaky and changeable.
3. Be unapologetic. There is no reason to apologize for telling your truth. Should the way in which you express yourself hurt someone, you should indeed apologize, but never apologize for your ideas.