Emphasize that you’re offering your opinion, not gospel truth. “It may be a well-informed, well-researched opinion, but it’s still an opinion, [so] talk tentatively and slightly understate your confidence.”

Say, “This is just my opinion, but I don’t see how we will make that de...

You can decide to interpret rejection as evidence of someone’s perception rather than as evidence of your flawed nature.

The area rug that is beautiful to your best friend might be hideous to you, and that’s okay. Everyone is entitled to his...