It can be difficult to ask your manager for a rise. Here are some tips on how you should craft your request.

1 Gather evidence Preparation is critical. Gather facts about your contributions that bolster your case: money-saving efficiencies you implemented, results from a project you’ve just overseen, positive customer testimonials, or praise from higher-ups. Your boss may not be aware of all you’ve accomplished over the past year.

2 Choose the right moment Most people make their pitch at review time. But if your boss is overwhelmed by the pressure of completing everyone’s evaluations, he may be less inclined to grant your request. Time your request to coincide with changes in your own tasks.

3 Practise ahead of time It’s important to rehearse what you will say, and not just in your head. Practise with someone else and listen for weaknesses in your argument or signs that you aren’t getting to the point quickly enough.

4 Be confident And be direct. Positive body language will also impart an air of confidence.

5 Avoid complaints and ultimatums Never start the conversation with a grievance or threat. At best, you’ll turn the conversation adversarial; at worse, you’ll paint yourself into a corner if you don’t get the raise.

6 Look forward, not back Pitch your raise as not only recognition for past achievements, but also tacit acknowledgment that you are a dedicated team player committed to growing with the company. Lay out your contributions, then quickly pivot to what you hope to tackle next. – Copyright Harvard Business Review 2015