A person with bad body odor can quickly make the others in the room uncomfortable. Not only is the person often unaware of the problem, everyone else is usually aware and already talking about it. While it may be difficult to confront the situation of body odor at its source, doing so can spare the person further embarrassment.
- Skill level:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Pull the person aside, out of the public eye. Public confrontation will only serve as an embarassment. Find a quiet spot that is free from distraction, where no one else will be able to hear the conversation. This will help to keep the person at ease, as well as showing you have the person's feelings in mind.
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2
Get straight to the point. While you shouldn't be curt when speaking, don't waste time by beating around the bush. Explain what the situation is by stating that you have a problem. Don't be apologetic, as it is not your fault. Take a professional approach that is objective by saying that the odor is a distraction.
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3
Offer your help but let the person solve the problem. State that you will be there if needed and leave an open line of communication. Allow the person to resolve the body odor issue while you stay in the background. Be available if there is any way you can assist. This is especially important in the business environment.
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4
Reiterate that you are not doing this for personal reasons or to be hurtful. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to take problems such as hygiene with a grain of salt when alerted. The truth is that most people will believe that you're out to get them and become defensive, if only for a moment. Try as best as you can to let the person know that you are doing this for the person's own good.
Tips and warnings
- Make the conversation brief, in order to avoid an argument.
- Avoid getting into specifics by stating what others have said. This means you must avoid asking what the cause is during conversation.
