Get into the habit of assertive communication.

Avoid these:

• Can you please tell me?

• Can you help me with this please?

• Can I ask you something?

• Can I ask you something please?

• Can we?

• Can we please?

• Is it okay if we spend more time together?

Instead, use the "command" language 

• Tell me this... 

• By the way, tell me your opinion on this....

• Give me your thoughts on this.

• Show me how this works