FAST Skill

The FAST skill is an important component for communication as it allows you to maintain your self-respect and requires you to be truthful about the problems (even if you are tactful about how you frame them) and not to sacrifice your values or integrity.

Be Fair

Be fair to yourself and to the other person. Remember to validate your own feelings and wishes, as well as the feelings and wishes of the other person.

Don’t Over-Apologize

No apologizing for being alive or for making a request at all. No apologies for having an opinion, for disagreeing. No looking ashamed, with eyes and head down or body slumped. No invalidating the valid.

Stick to Your Values

Don’t sell out your values or integrity for reasons that aren’t very important. Be clear on what you believe is the moral or valued way of thinking and acting, and “stick to your guns.”

Be Truthful

Don’t lie. Don’t act helpless when you are not. Don’t exaggerate or make up excuses.