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How to Talk About Your Accomplishments Without Sounding Braggy and Annoying
Article

How to Talk About Your Accomplishments Without Sounding Braggy and Annoying

The Muse, 2015

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

 

What would you do if you earned a promotion? What if you got a book published or landed a speaking gig? Many would stay mum about their successes out of fear of sounding arrogant or self-centered. As communication expert and author Alexandra Franzen notes, however, most people like good news and you should share. Her quick read walks you through the basics of how to balance celebrating career victories while staying gracious. getAbstract recommends Franzen’s heartening advice to everyone who has hesitated to toot their own horn.

Summary

After Alexandra Franzen tried to downplay publishing her first book out of fear of bragging, a friend told her to “stop downsizing your joy.” It turned out that Franzen’s attempt to sound humble was more obnoxious than anything else. While you may fear sounding arrogant or big-headed, you should talk about your successes because most people like hearing good news. Here are four tips for speaking about your victories in an inspiring, classy way:

1. Stay concise  The trick to staying gracious is keeping your celebration brief...

About the Author

Alexandra Franzen is an author and communication expert who’s been featured in Forbes, HuffPost and Fast Company.