At some point in your life, some person may ask you for a favor or you’ll be the one seeking it out. It’s both an awkward and tricky situation to be in and so many people end up bungling the request due to unnecessary and long preambles. Worse, some even end up confusing the situation or get the people being asked for a favor turned off. You’ll find that there is a method, an art when it comes to asking for favors. Here are some tips on how to make your attempts more successful.

Make it real.

A great way to start the process is to acknowledge the fact that you need something. Make sure too, to show that you appreciate the effort and the time that it would take for them to accomplish whatever it is you are requesting of them for you. Never appear as if you’re just taking their time lightly. Instead, be genuine and humble enough. You are the one in need of something, after all.

Specify what you need from them.

Being straightforward when making a request is always important. You need to explicitly state the request so the person you are directing it to will not be left second-guessing what it is exactly you need and want from them. Also, it’s never a good idea to break down favors into multiple parts. The more things you ask them to do, the less likely it is that they’ll be willing to do it for you.

Sensitivity is the key.

If you can see that the person you are about to ask a favor from seems too occupied, you would be better off directing the request to somebody who is less busy. In those cases when it really is that person that you need help from, be sensitive enough to give them enough time to accomplish what they had to do first before turning towards your addressing your request. Also, unrealistic time frames and last minute requests are generally frowned upon.

Honesty goes a long way.

Telling things as it is will really help you get better and more positive feedback to favors and request. When you express why exactly you need them to do the favor you’re asking and how it is going to impact your life, then people are more likely to gravitate towards a nod. Be authentic and people will be all the happier to lend you a hand.

Be open to returning the favor too.

You’ll find people will be more willing to do something for you when you make it clear to them that you’d be more than happy to do something for them in return too. Always remember that where favors go, the willingness to do favors for others usually ends up with you getting favors done for you by other people as well. It is a two-way street, and when people can see that you are open, they’d be willing to give you the hand up you need.

Before requesting any favors, try to get as many things done on your own. Only when you get to the part where you think is beyond your abilities should you consider asking for help. You’ll find people are always happier to offer a hand when they can see that you’ve already out in the needed effort.