A bluffer’s guide to complaining
Complaining, or at least the feeling that we need to complain, is something that everyone will encounter countless times over their lifetime. Some people complain more than others, some enjoy complaining and will do it without hesitation, whilst others will do almost anything to avoid confrontation.
This of course depends on things like your patience levels and expectations, and differs from person to person. Sometimes people will put up with sub-standard service because they don’t know how to complain, but there are ways to turn yourself into a consummate complainer, even if you’re still scared on the inside!
Bluffing
Bluffing is important when complaining as presenting yourself as confident and in control will make it more likely that others will listen and let you take control of the conversation. Keep calm and keep telling yourself that you are the one in the right. For example, if you are in a situation where you have paid for an expensive holiday that was unsatisfactory, remind yourself that your hard-earned cash has been wasted. You are in the right and you deserve satisfaction!
Keep calm
Keeping calm is key to an effective complaint, as flying off the handle will not only make you look silly but could also have adverse consequences. Don’t confuse complaining and abusing – a complaint should be made in a calm and calculated manner. Keep your argument clear in your head and make sure that you are polite, as being offensive may upset the other person, making them less likely to sympathise with you, or give them an excuse to end the conversation. Be clear on what you want to happen as a result of the complaint so that you can feel satisfied when you get what you want.
Escalate
If you still feel that you are not getting through then you should consider taking the complaint to the next level. If you are dealing with a shop or restaurant employee, or seeking holiday compensation, then you may find that you are complaining to the wrong person. A lot of the time you will find that the person you are talking to will understand your complaint but not have the authority to do anything about it. In this situation you should calmly ask to see their manager, and you may find that they will suggest a different solution to your problem. Again, stay calm and simply express your complaint.
Practice makes perfect
Complaining isn’t as hard as many of us think, and just one small success can give you the confidence you need to carry on. If you are not satisfied then it is your right to complain, but remember that you should only do it when it is necessary and not just to get a free meal. Remember these simple steps and it could change your life. But be careful to keep new found confidence in check – no one likes a serial complainer!