Say What You Mean—Without Being Mean: Sarita Maybin on Tough Truths with Tact

Communication expert Sarita Maybin shows women in leadership how to deliver tough truths with tact—without damaging trust. We unpack her simple AIR framework (Awareness, Impact, Request), share credibility-saving phrasing, and quick rules for high-tech communication. ). If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to sound harsh,” or “I’m tired of being walked on,” this one’s for you. This episode is packed with tips growing your leadership confidence, navigating conflict, or building executive presence, this episode is your new playbook.

You’ll learn:

• AIR: a 3-step script for hard conversations
• “We/ I” language swaps that sound firm—never harsh
• The top 10 positive communication phrases (with starters like “Would you be open to…?”)
• Listening under pressure: “How do you mean?” and other curiosity prompts
• Email kindness checks (please/thank you), when to move tough topics off email, and how to follow up in writing