Squeamish about screaming? Well, just get your displeasure across. Sheila Kumar tells you how

SURE, the meek inherit the earth. However, they get trampled upon, taken for granted and even ignored, in the meantime. So here's what we have to say: Stand up for yourself. Whenever you have the faintest suspicion that you are being taken for any kind of ride, let your voice be heard. Do it effectively. A recent study reveals that as many as 80 per cent of people who complained got acknowledgment and redressal. That's encouraging, isn't it?

The Restaurant Scenario
You know this one, don't you? The table next to the loo, the poky corner nearest to the kitchen, being made to wait even though you had made reservations, indifferent food served indifferently.

Get What You Deserve: Adopt an air of quiet self-confidence. An aura that proclaims, 'No one messes with me'. Dress elegantly, smile an assured smile and pitch your voice low. Make it clear you know what you want, what you expect and what you will get. When faced with an aggressive and loud maitre' d or staff, look surprised. Raise a cold eyebrow, but don't show anger. Ask to see the manager. Reiterate to him that you will NOT sit at the wrong table, in the wrong corner. That you don't see why you are being made to wait when you have a reservation. Return the warm bottle of wine, the overdone steak. Say ''I cannot eat this. Could you get me a properly prepared dish, please?''

The Faulty Purchase Scenario
This is all about the electric mixer that runs in fits and starts. The lipstick that broke the very first time you twisted the wand. The shoe heel that dropped off without warning, the very first time you wore the shoes.

Get What You Pay For: We don't need to tell you, you must keep all bills till you are satisfied that the equipment you bought recently works to your complete satisfaction. If it doesn't, take the bill and go back to the shop. Don't waste time with sales staff; ask to see the manager. Keep that accusatory note out of your voice and begin with, ''I thought you should see this...'' If he tries to infer that the fault was yours, stay calm and collected but say firmly, ''I will not take this faulty item home again. Please do what you must, to ensure I get another piece.'' Be prepared to settle for a compromise, in cash or kind, if need be, though.

The Gripe Letter Scenario
You need to put your plaint in writing sometimes. As in when your travel agent gypped you; you were promised a fortnight in Europe with free dinners all through and free airport transfers. You ended up paying for all the airport-to-hotel trips and at least a week's dinners. The holiday was ruined by your conviction that you had been suckered.

Get Your Own Back: When you get back home, sit down and write a stiff letter. Keep it short, to the point, and type it. Don't use rude or accusatory language but make your displeasure clear as crystal. Couch your criticism as opinion, ''It appeared to me...'', ''It seems''... Enclose all supporting documents and receipts. Ask for a specific make-good. We advise you to aim higher in redressal than you hope to get. Set a deadline and cc anyone who you think will be interested and able to influence the decision.

Complaints, Inc

• Get rid of guilt. You are entitled to redressal.

• Make eye contact. When faced with an intent gaze (yours!), most people move to mollify.

• If the confrontation is getting too loud or hostile, break contact. Say, ''It's no use discussing this further right now. You (or your superior) will be hearing from me in a day.''

• Keep complaining. Phone, write letters, meet and ask about your grievance. Be persistent.

• If you know the company isn't going to respond, threaten to go to the consumer court. Or else, write a letter to your newspaper and give the company some bad publicity.

• Remember, most things are accomplished with firm resolve, not aggressive language.

• Flattery helps. You may not be in the mood for it, but tell the people you are dealing with that hitherto, you have always been happy with their services. That you can't understand what went wrong this time. Then smile and ask, "Now how are you going to woo me back to your store?''

• When you find yourself losing control, leave immediately. Go back when you have cooled down, this time with a rehearsed plan.